44 years young!

Oct. 17th, 2019

Tarpo turns 44 years old

It started with 2 machines. And 44 years later we are at 200 machines. It’s hard to imagine what they were doing in 1975 if 2 machines is the minimum that goes into our fabrication process now!

We’ve been reading some of the stories that our customers have been sending in about their experience with us over the years and it has been humbling to see a recurring theme where our desire to solve a problem appropriately to completion has been recognised. Tarpo was founded on the ethics of doing things right and in our 5^th decade we are still ruled by that principle.

I think what fascinates me given the times we live in with all the technology and information around us is that at the end of the day a human must still conceptualise the products we make and a team of multi-skilled people will come together to fabricate that product. Machines are still tools in our industry – they haven’t taken away jobs.

Even more fascinating is that more than 20 of our team have been with us for over 10 years and some of those have been with the company since the 1980’s!

So, as I’m writing this, I’m contemplating that perhaps Tarpo is actually a people company with a tent problem. These people are obsessed with consistently redefining quality, of facing challenges, of exploring new ways of doing things and having fun, together.

Anyone who gets to a certain age and can look back at a long list of accolades and achievements knows that it has taken hard work to get there. There is unspoken sacrifice, heartbreak, moments where giving up looks like the best option but there is also a heritage or legacy to protect and a dream to strive towards.

Tarpo’s legacy has been to pioneer tented camps across East Africa to allow these countries to position themselves as premium safari tourism destinations – the safari industry is now in the list of top foreign exchange earners for all the East African countries.

Tarpo’s legacy has also been to respond quickly to the needs of humanitarian relief agencies who react to emergencies like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa or the famine in East Africa – our ability to respond quickly and consistently has been the difference between life and death for thousands of people who are affected by disaster.

Tarpo’s legacy has been to introduce premium fabrics that align with our philosophy of quality and durability in everything we do – we proudly partner with the world’s best fabric manufacturers whether they are from Germany, France, South Africa or India – allowing us to offer new and exciting products.

Tarpo’s legacy is also about the things that our customers don’t see. For example, we’ve used computers in our business since the beginning – Tarpo had a Commodore 64 for bookkeeping in 1982!

We’ve been through thick and thin to ensure we do the right thing. We’ve had an impact on an entire industry and entire populations. We’re pioneers and we dare to do things different.

Happy Birthday To Us!

Here’s a snapshot of our journey so far- we hope it inspires you!

Can you believe we’re 18 years old this year?!

Oct. 1st, 2019

Tarpo Industries Uganda turns 18 years old

Tarpo Industries Uganda has been quietly and confidently building itself since we were born in 2001.

We were one of the first soft shelter manufacturers in Uganda. With the same values that have nurtured Tarpo Kenya into a 41-year-old company, quality has always come first and when a customer smiles, we smile.

For almost 10 years now we’ve been a team of proud Ugandans and we recently went out for a meal to share our experiences with each other and inspire our newest members on what it means to be Tarpo. We didn’t know a simple meal could end up being a 4 hour conversation filled with celebration, emotion, pride and hope!

Of course we are a regional brand known for our safari tents across the world – you’ll find them as far away as Australia and Canada (at the Toronto Zoo if you really want to know!) – but we are a family passionate about our industry and about raising the standards. One of our engineers put it succinctly, “As pioneers of tent technology in the region so many of our competitors have learnt and copied from us but our passion is not something that can be stolen.” That passion is visible in the work we do and the relationships we maintain with our customers.

In the last few years while many thought we had disappeared and closed down we were actually busy building our own factory and planting our Ugandan roots.

Now in the heart of Bweyogerere’s industrial area and right next to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards we are literally next to the institution that decides on minimal quality standards for our people – where do you think they’re getting their expert advice for technical textiles? 😉

We’ve spent time and resource to seek out the best PVC from Europe and canvas from India. In fact we partner with the world’s top 4 PVC coated polyester fabric manufacturers and our technical specialists have undergone training in Germany. We bring a conglomerate of experts to bring you a solution – that’s how special you are as our customer.

During the meal we shared a few weeks ago Fred Were, whose been with us since he graduated from technical school more than 12 years ago, told us about an experience he had at one of the lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park: The manager was so excited to see us when we arrived to install the new tents. He invited us into the main dining area where all the guests were enjoying their lunch. He was hosting a small group and he announced to the group, “This is Tarpo, the tent experts, we only associate with the best you know!”

“Another time we had gone to install tents at a lodge in Murchison Falls and the owner insisted that we be treated like guests of the lodge. That is a true stamp of partnership, our consistency in quality has brought us to the level where our clients don’t just see us as suppliers.”

Did you know our production manager Julius Wandera has been with us since 2003? “Teamwork has brought us to where we are” he says. “Not just the team working together in Uganda but the entire team across East Africa.” He shared an experience that he and Fred had while working on a military project outside of Uganda. We can’t go public about the details but let’s just say they shared a box of meat with some Generals because the army couldn’t believe the quality of the product that had been made in front of their eyes.

George Odyek, who joined Tarpo in 2011, shared with us his experience at Rakai Health Sciences Programme where he led a team to set up tents. The project manager applauded Tarpo to a few of his colleagues who were present at the time, about the quality of our tents, and how quickly we respond especially during emergencies. Rakai Health Sciences Programme has been buying from Tarpo since for the last 10 years. “I have had the opportunity to learn from every department in Tarpo, everyone is willing to share their knowledge and experience with the others, and that has really strengthened us as a team and family in Tarpo’’ George added.

“The ‘School of Tarpo’ taught me that commitment is at the heart of learning.” David Mboizi is currently our metal works king. “You learn more from the commitment, passion and each other than you do from school.” Our newest member Annah Akinyi validated his statement by saying “I’ve learnt so much from understanding how hard you have all worked for all these years.”

“It’s not just about the hard work,” Fred interjected. “It’s also about how we are looked after by management and how we look after each other. We are like family and we relate like age-mates. It’s a privilege to be at Tarpo.” Fred was almost in tears as he forced those words out.

Patricia, our General Manager, got emotional, “I’m inspired by the commitment of this team and the belief they have in me. Team work, quality and the desire to do the right thing for the customer have brought us to the age of 18. I have the energy to do more and more!”

On the foundation of the team’s expertise and commitment we have started bringing superior materials into the market as we build on our exclusive relationships with European PVC fabric manufacturers. The Tarpo group is also one of the largest importers of South African ripstop and we are looking forward to introducing this to our customers in Uganda. With a workforce of almost 20 Ugandans, our own buildings and vehicles and the commitment towards quality at our heart we are ready to break into new frontiers and still smile when you smile!

After reading all this we’re sure you now believe we are 18!

Canvas VS PVC

Nov. 8th, 2018

The Difference Between Canvas and PVC: What Should You Know?

Posted by Ida Kemunto on Nov 8, 2018 4:18:45 PM

We’re often asked what is better between PVC and canvas. If you are having trouble deciding which material is the best option for your upcoming project, Tarpo is here to help! Of course, there are positive and negative characteristics of both of these materials, making your final decision a little tricky. Let’s compare some of the important features of Canvas and PVC to help you make the best decision.

Let’s Start With The Material…

Canvas

Canvas can either be cotton or a polyester-cotton blend (polycotton) which means it has synthetic mixed with organic fibres. Polycotton generally tends to be cheaper and is less likely to shrink.

It is typically used for the following;

PVC

PVC is a polyester-based fabric that can either be coated or laminated.

This material is typically used for the following;

There’s also the matter of the elements- how do these two hold up?

The Sun

Both Canvas and PVC are susceptible to UV radiation and that’s why they disintegrate. The more UV stabilization, the longer they are likely to last, but then, of course, the price goes up.

Polyurethane (PU) coated canvas is wrapped with plastic. It can either be plain or ripstop weave. Its lightweight body makes it inherently more breathable than PVC and allows it to adjust to body temperature more quickly.

Water

Canvas is water resistant but not waterproof. This means that quality canvas is able to resist the penetration of water to some degree under the conditions in which it is likely to be used.

Canvas shrinks because of the cotton while PVC doesn’t shrink because of the synthetic fibres.

Fire

Both PVC and Canvas are not naturally fire-resistant; however, they can be made fire retardant.

This means that they are able to slow down or stop the speed of fire. This is made possible because they are treated with a substance that lessens flammability known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). This does not make the material fireproof.

Fire retardant properties need to be added to the chemical finish making the price almost double the one without them. Both canvas and PVC don’t regularly come with Fire retardant. In Europe, the US and Australia Fire retardant is a requirement by law for certain uses.

Finally, here’s the difference when it comes down to cost and durability:

Cost

Canvas is more expensive than PVC because cotton fabrics are naturally more expensive than plastic.

You can request a detailed breakdown of cost based on the products you’re interested in below:

Diary of a Gypsy Soul: Tips on how to go camping in Kenya when broke

Nov. 8th, 2018

Diary of a Gypsy Soul: How to Travel when Broke

Posted by Ida Kemunto on Nov 8, 2018 4:24:41 PM.

Dear Gypsy Souls,

Let’s face it, your #Wakanda might be broke and sometimes “Mwezi iko corner” for like the whole year! At the same time, you don’t want to be asking “where did my 20s and 30s go to? How comes I’ve never left my village?”

My outdoor lovers, we have tips for you to #TembeaKenya without having to spend hundreds of thousands in this economy. We help you discover that outdoor freedom.

1. Travel with Friends

The more the merrier, the more the cheaper. Shared spaces cut down on an accommodation. Shared hurdles make great stories. Carry sleeping bags and inflate mattresses, these things come in handy (very portable). Just keep in mind that not every activity needs the group. Sometimes your friends want different things and that’s what makes all of us special. In your planning stage, consider everyone’s interests and how y’all will gain from it.

2. Use Public Transport

Not as luxurious as you would want it to be but it cuts down travelling costs by almost 5x, especially now that there are matatus and a bikes to almost anywhere. Some places you can even walk. Take that hike. Keep fit!

3. Go for Shared Luxury

Sharing is caring, but that’s absolutely not the point here. Some places offer very big rooms for two people. Talk to the guys nicely and they might compromise. A little above the norm price shared among 5 or so people will be totally worth it!
it.

4. DIY/Use Own Necessities

Cooking at a camp is much fun and affordable than anything else. Learn how to pitch a 2-man tent and you’ll be surprised how much you will be able to cut on outsourced labour. Take the map, listen to instructions and go on a hike. (This will be a little limiting since there’s not much you can be allowed to do if you are not an expert)

5. Meet People. Make Memories. Have Fun!

Goal #1 of any adventure. Gain the most from it. Make new connection, try something new, take that risk, grab that opportunity. Life is messy. Have fun in the chaos and unpredictability of it all. Believe in magic, fantasies and beautiful surprises from the universe – vow to live a life that will always keep your eyes sparkling. Be a Gypsy soul.

PS:

Above all, Communication is Key

A dynamic group is a delicate thing. Do not let things build up. The toxicity is dangerous. Have calm awkward discussions about the slight mistakes, probabilities and preferences. This is always better than the fiery arguments.

The Bad Boys of Camping

Nov. 8th, 2018

Tarpo Events: The Bad Boys of Camping

Posted by Ida Kemunto on Nov 8, 2018 3:48:12 PM

With a large stock of glamping equipment, over the past few years, Tarpo Industries’ Events Team has been a key partner in some of the biggest events in Kenya. These include Rhino charge, Lewa Marathon and the Amazing Masai. This time, we partnered with the organisers of the Sandbox Global Summit that was hosted in Kilifi.

Sandbox is a mobile society of trailblazers uniting a community of young entrepreneurs, once a year, who empower each other to build a better world at a geological period, wherein human activities have a powerful effect on the global environment. This event is designed for personal and professional growth.

The last Sandbox Global Summit was held in Croatia with people from over 47 countries. This year, the summit was held in Kilifi at Beneath the Baobabs, a 30-minute drive from the Vipingo Ridge Airstrip. A 20 acre pristine land on the edge of a valley. The site is host to wild secret orange and lemon orchards, bamboo forests and monumental thousand-year-old baobabs. The amenities are handmade by the local talent with natural materials that are available like the trees, grass, and so much more.

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The biggest challenge for Beneath the Baobabs’ team going into hosting the summit, was finding a service provider that took the reins and eased the stress off of them in terms of setting up for the accommodation.

For a while, they had to search for someone who had enough tents in order to handle the number of people turning up for their festivals. These festivals include their main event, with Kilifi New Year festival attended by more than 2,000 people each year.

“We did look at quite a different options,” says Jonah Doyle, one of the founders of Beneath the Baobabs and producer of Kilifi New Year. “But it turned out that not only did Tarpo have the most tents, but they were also the biggest and most beautiful.

The Tarpo Events team, boots strapped and optimism stamped, arrived for the set up on Monday, 24th September. This provided plenty of time to tackle the set up before the day of the event on 3rd October. Unexpectedly, it was raining in Kilifi, but the Tarpo events crew is composed of seasoned travellers so a little rain couldn’t stop them.

“Our biggest challenge when setting up for an event like Sandbox is usually the adaptation to climate changes,” says John Mutuku, the field supervisor at Tarpo for the last 10 years who has overseen the construction of temporary camps all over Kenya and South Sudan. “Coming into Kilifi, we expected warm weather and prepared for it, even debating on whether or not we needed blankets, only to be hit by the cold.”

The outpour on arrival delayed the team for a day. Fortunately, all these challenges are planned for beforehand in order to meet the client’s deadline in case of any challenges. Once at Beneath the Baobabs camping ground, the work had to begin on the second day. They assess the environmental sustainability of the area and optimize the resources while still preserving it.

Our experience in the lodging business allows us to have the best functional equipment to give our clients an exceptional experience in the middle of nowhere. For the Sandbox Global Summit, the set up is for 90 accommodation tents, including the solar showers, drop toilets and lighting solutions for all the tents. The coveted Il Ngwesi tents have a bathroom extension, spacious and private. The team took the opportunity to test out Tarpo’s new creation known as the Barsaloi tents, a younger sibling of the existing Il Ngwesi, which is smaller in size to cater to those who love the Il Ngwesi but often feel its size is challenging. For the Kizingo, the washroom is not an extension of the tents and it is spacious enough to walk around.

“Since you guys have arrived on site, I have been here quite a few times to have a look but I haven’t had to organize anything,” says Jonah. “It’s all been done under your own team. That is exactly what we had been looking for, a third party that could manage themselves and provide what we wanted.”

Firmly established, Tarpo events team has developed the right skill and know-how to work and deliver in remote areas in short lead times. The provision of functional products is not our only focus. Tarpo focuses on the service just as much. For most events, the staff in direct contact with the clients have to be on the ground to show their commitment to the project.

The team sets aside time for themselves once the day comes to an end. Recuperation and laughter are as important as getting the work done on time. They make their own meals and eat together, talking about stories of their experiences both at work and at home. Here is the beauty of being part of a team: you will know things together that no one else will know, events that exist only in the commingling and exchange of memories.

For Tarpo Events, bringing the vision of our clients to life is more than just a job, it is our passion. On the eve of their first event with Tarpo, the Beneath the Baobabs team are already looking forward to a long-lasting partnership.

We share the same vision for a global future, in alignment with our community values. We both believe in the conservation of our environment. One of the first lessons you learn while working with or for Tarpo is: Never leave a mark. The environment is part of what we do. Everywhere we go, Tarpo has to make sure that when we leave nobody can tell that we’ve been there.

“Conservation is and should be everyone’s responsibility,” says John Mutuku.

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Product Catalog

44 years young!

Tarpo turns 44 years old

Happy Birthday To Us!

Can you believe we’re 18 years old this year?!

Tarpo Industries Uganda turns 18 years old

Canvas VS PVC

The Difference Between Canvas and PVC: What Should You Know?

Canvas

PVC

Diary of a Gypsy Soul: Tips on how to go camping in Kenya when broke

Diary of a Gypsy Soul: How to Travel when Broke

1. Travel with Friends

2. Use Public Transport

3. Go for Shared Luxury

4. DIY/Use Own Necessities

5. Meet People. Make Memories. Have Fun!

The Bad Boys of Camping

Tarpo Events: The Bad Boys of Camping