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KBL Brewery
Overcoming all the challenges to build a state-of-the-art brewery in Kenya
In 2017, Diageo/Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) planned a new brewery on the site of an old bottling hall and brewery in Kisumu that had been redundant for some 20 years. Zutari was primarily appointed to develop the structural and civil engineering design.
The project involved transforming the existing facility to a new state-of-the-art brewery, including the installation of new brewery equipment and the provision of office facilities for the brewery, in an exceptionally tight 11-month programme.

Rehabilitating the brewery required upgraded designs for the brewhouse, keg plant, boiler room, and tank farm foundations, as well as roads, stormwater, and underground piped services. Zutari was also responsible for the procurement of geotechnical, topographical and pipe condition surveys.
Short on time and information
The two main challenges were the short timeframe for delivering the project and the lack of existing information. The brewery’s original infrastructure was constructed more than 40 years ago, which contributed to a lack of viable information for the project. A high level of site presence and close engagement with all project stakeholders overcame the lack of information and contributed to achieving the tight deadlines. The project team also had to adapt designs to suit local building practice, available materials, and limited local skill levels.
Zutari conducted initial surveys of the project site with 3D cameras. All new designs were completed in 3D modelling using Revit and other digital engineering tools.
Digital tools enhanced decision-making
We provided effective site managers who were quick to adapt to the site environment and achieve international best practice standards.
Zutari conducted initial surveys of the project site with 3D cameras. All new designs were completed in 3D modelling using Revit and other digital engineering tools. Tablets with customised software enabled the team to immediately generate site reports during an inspection.
Project stakeholders were dispersed around the globe, with the client team and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consultant based in Ireland, and site supervisors sourced locally. Despite this, with good coordination, the outcome was a state-of-the-art brewery designed and constructed in record time, within client budget, and with limited revisions.
“We provided effective site managers who were quick to adapt to the site environment and achieve international best practice standards. We are proud to have been involved in such a high-profile project,” says Faan Calitz, Zutari Technical Director.
*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020. Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.