BOC Kenya Limited (BOCKL) is a Kenyan-based manufacturer and distributor of industrial and medical gases, including welding products and medical equipment. With its headquarters in Nairobi, the company is a subsidiary of Linde plc, a global leader in industrial manufacturing and engineering. Established in 1940 in Mombasa, Kenya, BOC Kenya has played a significant role in the industrial and medical gas sector in East Africa, serving both local and international markets.
Company Overview
BOC Kenya plc manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including medical gases, industrial gases, and welding products. The company is part of the Linde Group, which is one of the largest industrial gases companies in the world. The group’s global reach and expertise have significantly enhanced BOC Kenya’s capacity to serve its diverse clientele across the region.
Key Products and Services
- Industrial Gases: BOC Kenya supplies industrial gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide for various sectors, including manufacturing, food, and pharmaceuticals.
- Medical Gases: The company also manufactures and distributes medical gases like oxygen, which are essential for healthcare facilities.
- Welding Products and Equipment: BOC Kenya provides high-quality welding materials and tools for industrial applications.
Financial Performance
As of the first half of 2013, BOC Kenya reported an after-tax revenue of KES 101,255,000 (approximately US$1,017,000). With total assets valued at KES 1.975 billion (US$19.84 million), the company maintains a solid financial position in the industrial and medical gases market. The continued growth and profitability of BOC Kenya showcase its integral role in Kenya’s industrial sector.
History and Milestones
BOC Kenya’s history dates back to 1940, when it was founded in Mombasa. The company has had several milestones throughout its history, including its 2005 attempt to acquire Carbacid Investments, which, although unsuccessful, marked a significant point in the company’s expansion strategy. The stock of BOC Kenya was suspended from trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) between 2005 and 2009 due to this event.
Subsidiaries of BOC Kenya
BOC Kenya operates various subsidiaries across East Africa, extending its operations beyond Kenya’s borders.
- BOC Tanzania Limited (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
- BOC Uganda Limited (Kampala, Uganda)
- Kivuli Limited (Mombasa, Kenya)
- East African Oxygen Limited (Dormant)
These subsidiaries help BOC Kenya to strengthen its regional presence and offer its products to neighboring countries, thereby contributing to its regional growth.
Ownership and Stock Market Performance
BOC Kenya is publicly traded on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) under the symbol BOC. The company’s shares are primarily owned by BOC Holdings, which holds a 65.38% stake. The remaining 34.62% is held by institutional and private investors.
As a subsidiary of Linde plc, BOC Kenya benefits from Linde’s global expertise in industrial manufacturing and technology. Linde plc’s global operations and extensive portfolio significantly support BOC Kenya’s local operations and growth.
Conclusion
BOC Kenya Limited continues to be a leader in the manufacturing of industrial and medical gases in East Africa. With its rich history, solid financial performance, and regional expansion through its subsidiaries, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the growth of the industrial and healthcare sectors in Kenya and beyond.
