Mabati Rolling Mills Launches Kenya’s First Mobile Showroom

By Fride Amiani  

Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd (MRM), Kenya’s leading producer of steel roofing and building materials, has unveiled a pioneering innovation – the country’s first mobile showroom.

The initiative, branded “Building Dreams, Mile by Mile,” was officially launched at the company’s headquarters in Athi River, Nairobi, marking a major step in redefining customer engagement in the construction industry. Designed as a “showroom on wheels,” the customized truck will travel across the country, taking MRM’s full range of products directly to both urban centers and rural villages.

Speaking during the launch, MRM Chief Executive Officer Albert Sigei described the project as a milestone in bridging the gap between the company and its customers. 

“We understand that accessibility and convenience are critical to our customers. This mobile showroom reflects our strategy of taking innovative building solutions closer to households and businesses. At the same time, it demonstrates our commitment to supporting Kenya’s housing and infrastructure agenda,” he said.

The showroom is not only a display truck but also a mobile learning hub. It has been designed to educate communities on proper roofing practices, raise awareness about the risks of counterfeit building materials, and provide inspiration for modern construction. Visitors will be able to interact with technical experts, receive tailored consultations, and watch live demonstrations of MRM’s solutions.

Products featured in the mobile unit include a wide range of roofing sheets such as Dumuzas, DumuRangi, Resincot, Covermax, and Maxcover. Customers will also be introduced to roofing tiles like Versatile, Elegantile, and Orientile, as well as the premium Lifestile stone-coated steel tiles. Beyond roofing, the showroom highlights pre-engineered homes under the SAFHOME brand and structural products including SAFBUILD, Ultraspan, beams, pipes, and hollow sections. Accessories such as gutters, ridges, insulation, ventilation systems, and Fixtite screws are also part of the display.

The launch comes at a time when Kenya’s construction industry is struggling with the challenge of substandard materials. For many homeowners and contractors, cheap counterfeits have led to dangerous and costly building failures. Mr. Sigei noted that MRM is determined to protect customers by offering quality assurance and transparency. 

“We are not just selling products. We are protecting customers by giving them direct access to genuine, durable, and certified solutions. Every product from MRM carries a written warranty to something that sets us apart in this industry,” he emphasized.

The first stop for the mobile showroom will be Kitengela, where it will remain for one week before beginning its journey to other regions across the country. MRM Regional Managing Director Dipti Muhanty explained that the goal is to eventually expand the concept beyond Kenya. “This model will eventually be extended to other countries within East Africa. We are looking at a long-term approach where MRM can serve both rural and urban communities with equal efficiency,” he said.

Since its establishment in 1961, MRM has been at the forefront of Kenya’s construction industry. As part of the Safal Group, it has built a reputation for innovation and reliability, introducing products that have become staples in the market such as the iconic Versatile roofing tile and the modular SAFBUILD pre-engineered structures. The company’s focus on research, quality, and customer service has earned it the trust of homeowners, contractors, and businesses alike.

The launch of the mobile showroom is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at aligning MRM’s operations with evolving customer needs. It also comes at a time when the government is prioritizing affordable housing as part of its national development agenda. By making building solutions accessible to more people, MRM’s initiative supports not only individual homeowners but also the broader national goal of expanding housing opportunities.

For small-scale builders and rural communities that may lack access to modern building outlets, the showroom offers a rare opportunity to learn and invest in reliable solutions. It is expected to play a key role in educating the public on the importance of using certified materials, reducing the prevalence of counterfeit products, and promoting sustainable construction.

The project also underscores the role of private companies in shaping Kenya’s housing future. By combining innovation with customer-focused strategies, MRM is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer but also as a partner in building safer, more durable, and more affordable homes.

As the showroom begins its tour, MRM hopes to inspire confidence among homeowners and give them the tools to build securely and sustainably.

 “Listening to our customers and walking the extra mile with them on that is what this project is all about,” Mr. Sigei concluded.

With the rollout of the Showroom on Wheels, Mabati Rolling Mills is taking a bold step toward transforming how Kenyans interact with construction solutions. It is a journey that blends innovation with accessibility, ensuring that dreams of better homes can be built mile by mile, community by community, across the country.