Another year ends which has had its challenges due to the difficult general economic environment and like many businesses for D&S it has been flat, though in the circumstances not unacceptable. As usual there has been good qualitative progress in a number of areas, of particular note being the opening of D&S Tanzania's new distribution centre and offices, the ongoing construction of the game changing Tatu Engineering Centre and continued expansion of the branch network with 6 established bringing the total in Kenya to 65, over 100 in the region.

By any standards D&S is now a large organization! There have also been several important product initiatives, notably establishment of a chemical production facility, expansion of the Smart pump range and launch of the Paygo project that is supported by several international funders and partners. The other activity I am particularly proud of is our 'Improving Lives' initiative, the focus being to provide water, mostly solar powered, to underprivileged communities.

This year in conjunction with several partners we have undertaken 120 projects benefiting over 170,000 people. I also mention two awards recently received, the first being at the recent Energy industry event where we won the 'Women in Leadership' category. Advancement of women is a priority Group policy and it was encouraging to receive this recognition. The initiative is led by Branch Management Executive Margaret Kuchio and well done to her and the team she works with for the achievement. The other was at the Chief Information Officer Africa Awards where we were recognized for the D&S FLO app.

This has been developed primarily by Ken Muturi and congratulations to him on this world-class reference. Looking ahead to the new year the prospects are encouraging. The Group is well resourced with many new and interesting initiatives in hand and the region's economic environment is more settled. Barring any unanticipated environmental developments, I look forward to a year of progress, particularly operationalising the Tatu Engineering Centre, as we focus on our theme 'Building on Strengths' To conclude I send everyone my warmest Season's Greetings and mention my deepest appreciation to all the Group's stakeholders including customers, suppliers and, most importantly, staff for your great support over the past year as without you we would be unable to achieve what we have. I also pass everybody my very best wishes for a Healthy and Successful 2025.