A Tribute To Our Founding Father
In 1974, in the vibrant coastal town of Mombasa, our founding father, Dr. Chris Kirubi, laid the foundation of HACO Industries. With an unwavering commitment to quality, world-class standards and uniqueness, he built a company that placed customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations. From its humble beginnings as a single-product manufacturer, he led the company with unparalleled vision and determination, steering it to become a leading player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry across East Africa. For over 45 years, his steadfast leadership turned dreams into reality, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and resilience.
Dr. Kirubi’s firm belief in innovation and best practices across Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Consumer Marketing has been the cornerstone of HACO’s enduring success. His commitment to excellence saw HACO evolve into a market leader with iconic homegrown brands both in Personal & Home Care categories like MIADI, ASHANTI-Q, AMARA, ACE, SO SOFT, SPARKLE and HACO PLASTICS (rulers &pegs). Additionally, during his tenure, global partnership with E.T. Browne Drug Company, Inc. entrusted HACO Industries with the manufacturing & distribution of the Palmer’s brand. His strategic foresight established HACO as a trusted name in homes thereby aligning with the company’s vision of being the most preferred household brand by 2030.
A passionate advocate for local manufacturing, Dr. Kirubi was deeply aligned with Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda, particularly the manufacturing pillar. His dedication to sustainable local production not only strengthened HACO’s supply chain but also empowered local communities by creating jobs and fostering economic growth. He believed in the transformative power of local partnerships, from raw material suppliers to distributors, underscoring his commitment to advancing Kenya’s industrial capacity and uplifting the continent.
As Chairman, Dr. Kirubi provided steadfast leadership and inspired both the exceptional team at HACO and our partners. His unwavering commitment to excellence encouraged us to pursue the highest standards in every aspect of our work, setting the foundation for the growth and success we enjoy today. Integrity was his guiding principle, ensuring that every decision and action reflected honesty and ethical practices. He believed in the power of teamwork to achieve good results, fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization to drive shared success. Additionally, his sense of responsibility was evident in his dedication to the community and his belief that businesses should be a force for positive change. A true visionary, he was passionate about skill development for the youth, empowering them through education, mentorship and opportunities to build sustainable futures.
His legacy is one of passion, perseverance and purpose—a lasting beacon that will continue to inspire us to carry forward his vision and honour his extraordinary contributions to HACO, Kenya and beyond.
Today, as we celebrate 50 years of HACO’s excellence, we pay tribute to a visionary who laid the foundation for this success. Thank you, Dr. Kirubi, for your enduring belief in what HACO could achieve and for inspiring us all to dream boldly and strive relentlessly.
Your legacy lives on in every milestone we achieve.