15 Years of Excellence: Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd (SKL)

After being laid off, Dr. Sonvir Singh faced a challenging period with mounting bills and no income. However, a new job opportunity allowed him to start a savings fund with the aim of launching his own business. Leveraging his expertise, he ventured into the packaging and printing industry. What began as modest savings has grown into a multi-million-shilling venture, creating jobs and providing services across the region.

At the heart of this success is Nirmal Chaudhary his wife, a co-founder and Finance Director of Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd (SKL), who has played an instrumental role in the company’s growth over the past 15 years. Born and raised in Rajasthan, India, Dr. Sonvir Singh moved to Kenya in 2006 to work as a general manager at Nairobi-based Label Convertors. His extensive experience as an engineer specializing in packaging and printing enabled him to introduce UV printing to the Kenyan market, significantly reducing reliance on imported materials.

Despite his initial success, Dr. Sonvir Singh’s journey took a difficult turn when he left Label Convertors. With no job, a new marriage, and a three-month-old daughter, life became incredibly tough. The family often relied on meals from their temple. Through this challenging time, Nirmal was a pillar of strength and support, encouraging Dr. Sonvir Singh to persevere and to keep soldiering on. Nirmal, who holds an MSc in computer science, brought her skills and determination to the business. She has nearly two decades of experience and serves as a director at Magman SKL Group Limited, SKL Print Pack (LLP) Limited, and SKL News (India), demonstrating her leadership and versatility.

Nirmal’s involvement extends beyond SKL. She actively participates in charitable organizations such as the SKL International Foundation, Shri Sarv Siddh Puratan Kali Bari Trust, and the Hindu Council of Kenya, reflecting her commitment to community service.

Dr. Sonvir Singh and Nirmal founded Shri Krishna Overseas Ltd, initially targeting Kenya’s Indian community with imported rice and spices. Their household grew, and they balanced their business with family life. Nirmal managed an Indian restaurant and a dry goods store, adding to their entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite facing fierce competition, their businesses thrived, though these prompted them to seek a more sustainable venture.

A pivotal moment came when Elgon Kenya decided to focus on its agricultural operations, selling its packaging business to Dodhia Packaging. This transition allowed Dr. Sonvir Singh to venture out on his own. With KES 250,000 in their account, Dr. Sonvir Singh and Nirmal started their packaging company, guided by principles of resilience, honesty, commitment, and hard work.

Their initial operations were modest, manually screen-printing boxes for customers. However, their determination led to acquiring a lorry and transforming a discarded printing machine into a valuable asset. In mid-2014, they seized an opportunity to expand by purchasing a manufacturing plant, significantly increasing their output.

The first days were a manual affair. “We did not have a machine so we would manually screen print boxes for our customers. But what do you do, you have to find a solution,” he revealed.

Having solved this initial challenge, another one arose. The boxes had to be delivered to customers. Outsourcing transportation had its challenges because of the costs involved and the risks transporters could easily replicate the Dr. Sonvir Singh’s business were alive.

The momentum continued Dr. Sonvir discovered a discarded printing machine. With his technical expertise, he transformed this potential scrap into a valuable asset, installing and calibrating it to become the heart of his printing operation.

“This is my best machine to date.” To reduce costs, the company bought waste paper from other factories, and recycled and reused this paper to make packaging for flower exporters.

Expansion continued in mid-2014 when a Mombasa-based company put up an advert to sell a manufacturing plant which he immediately jumped on. The plan was to buy two machines but the owner wanted to sell everything at a go. To complicate matters Dr. Sonvir did not have enough funds. Not one to give up he offered the seller a deal he could not refuse.

“I told him I would buy all his eight-year-old machines for the same price as new ones on condition that I could pay in installments.” Initially skeptical, the buyer made a surprising call back the next day, green lighting the deal. Dr. Sonvir attributes this shift to his strong reputation within the industry.

By the end of 2014, SKL’s revenues soared to KES 84 million from the KES 2 million it made in its first year. The company has continued to grow, employing over 100 people by 2023 and seeing significant profit margins.

“The company started with one employee, Mr. Mwema Mutisya who is still with the company to date. He is now Mzee (65) and he is still with us helping us where he can. I have been fortunate to have him on our team because he is loyal and honest, the type of person you can give KES 10 million to handle and you are confident that not a cent will go missing,” he stated

 Nirmal and Dr. Sonvir Singh have donated to various causes in health, education, women empowerment, and the environment, with a strong focus on education.

Apart from her role at SKL, Nirmal’s diverse interests and leadership skills are evident through her involvement in various business and social organizations. She exemplifies resilience, dedication, and visionary leadership, making her an indispensable force behind SKL’s success and a beacon of inspiration for others.

Dr. Sonvir Singh’s extensive business and social engagements include roles as the founder and chairman of the Rajasthan Association of Kenya, national vice chairman of the Hindu Council of Kenya, chairman of the SKL International Foundation, and vice president of the Federation of Trade and Industry and India.

The story of SKL is one of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership, reflecting the values and principles that have guided Dr. Sonvir Singh and Mrs. Nirmal Chaudhary throughout their remarkable journey.