Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) marked its Golden Jubilee on September 3rd, 2025, with a grand celebration at its Nairobi Assembly Plant.
Honoring the Past, Driving the Future: Isuzu EA’s Golden Jubilee Celebration
(L-R) Dr Fred Wasike, Isuzu EA Director Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability, Isuzu EA Chair of the Board and Managing Director presents the newly launched 14 Years Leadership Excellence Book to Koji Nakamura, Senior Executive Officer, International Sales Division, Isuzu Motors Ltd during the Golden Jubilee celebration where they paid tribute to employees and dealers, past and long-serving pioneers who laid the foundation for the company’s success and the younger generation who represent Isuzu EA’s future.
Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) marked its Golden Jubilee on September 3rd, 2025, with a grand celebration at its Nairobi Assembly Plant. The highlight of the event was the sealing of a Time Capsule, set to be opened in 2050, containing artifacts and messages capturing the company’s 50-year journey.
During the celebrations, Chair of the Board and Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, reflected on the company’s legacy, noting that Isuzu’s history was defined by trust, resilience, and transformation. She said the company had played a vital role in supporting farmers, transporting children to school, enabling businesses, and contributing to economies across East Africa. She emphasized that while the event honored the past, the company was also looking forward with optimism and confidence in a bold and boundless future.
Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, commended Isuzu EA for its alignment with Kenya’s industrial agenda. He stated that anniversaries of this nature were not just about reflection but served as guiding points for the next phase of industrial transformation. He praised Isuzu EA for its investments in capacity building, compliance with standards, and promotion of genuine Isuzu parts, which safeguard safety and performance. He further observed that Isuzu vehicles had gone beyond Kenyan borders, reinforcing the country’s position as a regional automotive hub.
The Chief Guest, Koji Nakamura, Senior Executive Officer of Isuzu Motors Limited, lauded Isuzu EA for building strong customer relationships and brand loyalty over the years. He acknowledged the company’s reputation for durability, integrity, and reliability, and reaffirmed Isuzu Motors’ commitment to supporting Africa’s growth through multi-pathway vehicle technologies and carbon-neutral solutions.
Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Amb. Matsuura Hiroshi, underlined the importance of the Kenya-Japan partnership in advancing the automotive sector. He pointed out that the recent Samurai loan facility from Japan would largely go towards supporting Kenya’s National Automotive Policy, enhancing local assembly, spare parts manufacturing, green vehicle production, and skills training. He emphasized that companies like Isuzu EA, with its five-decade track record, were central to turning policy into tangible growth.
The event also paid tribute to employees and dealers, both past and present, while showcasing Isuzu’s iconic models such as the F-Series trucks, N-Series, D-Max pickups, and UD Trucks. Guests also revisited the company’s key milestones, including the groundbreaking of a Kshs 3.1 billion Parts Distribution Centre in Lukenya, the commissioning of a Kshs 1 billion Electro-Deposition Paint Plant, and the upcoming full local assembly of the luxury mu-X SUV.
The ceremony concluded with the sealing of the Time Capsule, which contained letters, photographs, miniature models, annual reports, a message from brand ambassador Eliud Kipchoge and various documents that capture the journey of Isuzu East Africa. Rita Kavashe explained that the capsule was more than just a collection of artifacts; it was a message to future generations, symbolizing values of integrity, innovation, and excellence. She expressed confidence that when it is opened in 2050, it would inspire the successors of Isuzu EA to dream even bigger.
Isuzu EA Chair of the Board and Managing Director gifts Koji Nakamura, Senior Executive Officer, International Sales Division, Isuzu Motors Ltd, during the Isuzu EA marking of the 50th Anniversary. The grand celebration held at Isuzu EA’s Nairobi Assembly Plant brought together government leaders, international dignitaries, customers, employees, and business partners to reflect on the company’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1975, and to share its bold vision for the future.
(L-R) Dr Fred Wasike, Isuzu EA Director Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability, Isuzu EA Chair of the Board and Managing Director presents the newly launched 14 Years Leadership Excellence Book to Koji Nakamura, Senior Executive Officer, International Sales Division, Isuzu Motors Ltd during the Golden Jubilee celebration where they paid tribute to employees and dealers, past and long-serving pioneers who laid the foundation for the company’s success and the younger generation who represent Isuzu EA’s future.
(L-R) Former Isuzu EA Chairman, Hiroshi Hisatomi, Senior Executive Officer, International Sales Division, Koji Nakamura, Isuzu EA Chair of the Board and Managing Director Rita Kavashe and Isuzu Motors South Africa President Tom Billy unveil the Isuzu EA 50th anniversary Plaque during 50th anniversary celebrations. The company’s journey into the next 50 years will be guided by the new global corporate philosophy introduced in 2023, ISUZU ID, which embodies the message “Moving the World, for You.”
Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, and Isuzu East Africa Chair of the Board and Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, address the press during the company’s 50th Anniversary. Since 2022, Isuzu East Africa has invested KShs 7 billion in manufacturing and after-sales support, including KShs 3.1 billion for a state-of-the-art Parts Distribution Centre in Lukenya, set to serve East and Central Africa.
Isuzu East Africa employees follow proceedings during the 50th Anniversary afternoon session with staff. Over the past 14 years, the company’s staffing levels have grown by 68%, underscoring its commitment to creating opportunities for qualified youth while meeting customer needs.
Isuzu EA Chair of the Board and Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, together with Director, Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability, Dr. Fred Wasike, seal the Time Capsule during the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Isuzu Motors Limited Senior Executive Officer, International Sales Division, Koji Nakamura, plants a tree during Isuzu East Africa’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Isuzu East Africa Chair of the Board and Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, plants a tree during Isuzu East Africa’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The company remains committed to sustainability through tree planting initiatives and the forthcoming launch of electric vehicles.
For half a century, Isuzu has been at the heart of Kenya’s mobility and economic growth. From supporting small businesses and farmers with reliable pickups, to powering public transport and government fleets, Isuzu vehicles have become part of everyday Kenyan life. Our celebration is not just about our company, it’s about the communities, partners, and customers who made this journey possible.
Through the years, we have remained the market leader for commercial vehicles in Kenya for over a decade, a testament to the trust Kenyans have placed in our brand.
This celebration is about our shared progress. Every trip to the shamba, every school bus ride, every delivery made, every construction site powered, every sand harvester at work and every journey powered by Isuzu is part of our collective story. Our customers, partners, employees, and communities are the true drivers of this milestone.
As we honor the past 50 years, we also look forward to the next chapter. With continued investments in technology and sustainability and with our customers at the center of everything we do, we are committed to driving Kenya’s progress for generations to come.
Together, let’s celebrate 50 years of moving Kenya forward stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.
Saturday, 2nd August 2025: A team of ten ISUZU mentors led by Sandra Njagi, Export Sales Manager, stepped forward once again to participate in the August Holiday Mentorship Program, offering more than just advice, but presence, encouragement, and authentic care.
In heartfelt one-on-one conversations, mentors connected deeply with students, walking with them through personal and academic challenges. They spoke openly about setbacks, shared stories from their own life journeys, and reminded the students that struggles are not roadblocks, but building blocks toward growth and resilience.
This mentorship moment was part of a much larger journey. Since 2005, the ISUZU EA Foundation, through its STEM Education Pillar, has been supporting the Secondary Education of needy, bright, and talented students, including those with exceptional gifts in sports and creative arts. To date, 118 students have benefited from the scholarship program, which is implemented by Palmhouse Foundation on behalf of the Foundation.
The Foundation has invested over Kshs 35.5 million in scholarships and continues to safeguard the future of the program through an endowment fund of over Kshs 20.7 million.
Mentorship has become an integral part of this scholarship journey. The Foundation, in collaboration with Palmhouse Foundation, has been running structured Holiday Mentorship Programs during the months of April and August each year, helping students stay focused, supported, and inspired.
Time after time, ISUZU employees have shown up, not as instructors, but as role models, listeners, and guardians. Their commitment and passion have placed ISUZU among the leading corporates championing mentorship in the country.
This dedication is grounded in a bigger vision, the Foundation’s desire to become the ISUZU Automotive Innovation Hub — a space where talent and ideas are nurtured, not only to sustain the future of the ISUZU brand, but to uplift people and the community at large.
Some of the ways this will be made possible is through a continued focus on scholarships, mentorship programs, and opportunities that connect students to purpose, self-belief, and possibility.
Through these efforts, the ISUZU EA Foundation continues to walk alongside young people, investing not just in education, but in lives, planting seeds of hope, and helping build a future where no potential is left behind.
Personal moments of Impact showing various one-on-one sessions between Isuzu mentors and mentees offering guidance and encouragement during the mentorship program at Karura
Gardens, Githunguri.
Kiambu, Kenya, July 5, 2025: In a powerful demonstration of purpose-driven leadership, Isuzu East Africa officially handed over a Kshs. 3 million Learning Hub to the Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, located within Kamiti Prisons. This transformative space is more than just a classroom, it’s a launchpad for second chances, designed to nurture learning, confidence, and hope among young girls in rehabilitation.
The initiative, led by Isuzu’s Aftersales and Channel Development Division, reflects the company’s deep commitment to community empowerment, education, and sustainability. Built using recycled materials from Isuzu’s Completely Knocked Down (CKD) packaging, the hub exemplifies circular economy principles, repurposing waste into impactful solutions that promote environmental responsibility and reduce resource strain.
Over 150 Isuzu employees contributed an impressive 3,600 volunteer hours, offering their time, skills, and compassion to bring this vision to life. Their dedication highlights the company’s vibrant culture of teamwork and purpose-led service.
“We’re not just handing over a building. We are unlocking opportunity, restoring dignity, and investing in a brighter tomorrow for these young women,” said Ndegwa Mwangi, Director of Aftersales and Channel Development.
Ndegwa emphasized that this initiative reinforces Isuzu’s commitment to building stronger communities through access to quality education, advancing gender equality, reducing inequalities, and supporting responsible production. It also reflects the power of partnerships, working hand in hand with employees, customers, and institutions like the Kenya Prisons Service to create meaningful and lasting impact.
The handover ceremony brought together officers from Kenya Prisons, staff from Kamae Institution, and Isuzu volunteers, united by a shared vision of hope and transformation. For the girls at Kamae, the Learning Hub is more than a physical space, it is a chance to learn, imagine, and rewrite their stories.
“You are not your past. From today, choose to rise, believe in your worth, and prepare for the great woman you are becoming,” Ndegwa encouraged the girls.
This initiative, under the banner of the Isuzu East Africa Foundation, is a shining example of what can be achieved when corporate purpose, sustainability, and human dignity come together.
As the doors of the Learning Hub opened, one message was clear, Isuzu isn’t just building vehicles, it’s building and sustaining futures. One story, one community, one life at a time.
On July 4th, 2025, the Isuzu Mentors hosted 70 mentees from St. Thomas Aquinas Boys High School for an engaging and impactful visit to Isuzu East Africa.
The visit was part of the Boys Mentorship Program, which has been running consistently for the past seven years, fostering personal growth, academic focus, and career awareness among students from the school.
During the visit, the mentees were taken through the company’s rich history, diverse product range, and organizational structure. Mentor Roy Ashoya emphasized the importance of STEM education, illustrating its relevance to the students’ future careers and aspirations.
Mentor Andrew Omondi, an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas Boys, also shared his inspiring career journey, having served at Isuzu East Africa for over 35 years. His story resonated deeply with the students, offering them a real-life example of dedication and growth within the corporate world.
The mentees were then divided into groups for a guided tour of the plant. The tour provided a rare opportunity for the boys to gain firsthand insights into the automotive industry, and to appreciate Isuzu’s manufacturing and vehicle assembly processes.
Beyond inspiration, this mentorship initiative is anchored in Isuzu East Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the SDGs, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
By exposing students to real-world work environments, the program not only promotes career readiness but also strengthens Isuzu’s essential purpose, building strong relationships though young brand ambassadors and conducting business in a sustainable, responsible manner that supports future generations. Educational visits such as these are a key part of nurturing informed, empowered youth who are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
As one of the students noted during the vote of thanks, “This program has truly been an eye-opener. I now have a clearer understanding of what I want to pursue and how STEM is relevant in every career path I’ve been dreaming about. I’m more motivated and confident about my future.”
The visit served as both an educational experience and a motivational platform, strengthening the mentorship bond and inspiring the next generation of innovators and professionals.
On 12th June 2025, Isuzu East Africa hosted 50 students from Embakasi Girls Secondary School, accompanied by three teachers, for an enriching mentorship session. Now in its fifth year, this impactful initiative has positively influenced the lives of over 850 students by equipping them with leadership skills, career guidance, and essential life skills.
Spearheaded by the Isuzu women mentors, who have consistently committed their personal time as volunteers, the programme is designed to nurture leadership, build self-awareness, and inspire a focused and purpose-driven outlook in the students. The session was led by the organization’s Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, and the women mentors, and was moderated by Communications and CSR Coordinator, Linda Njiru. Together, they engaged the girls in motivating discussions and shared personal insights to help them shape their futures.
In her keynote remarks, Rita Kavashe encouraged the students to remain focused and intentional, reminding them that “this is the time for you to work on yourselves so that you can become.” She emphasized the power of vision, determination, and self-drive in achieving success and encouraged the girls to stay true to their goals.
The mentees also received a company overview from Lorna Muthoni, HR Manager, Employee Development, who facilitated two career-focused talks: What Employers Are Looking For and STEM Education. She highlighted the need for more women in STEM and encouraged the students to pursue these paths. She also emphasized the importance of independence and resilience, key life skills that foster long-term personal and professional growth. In a powerful moment, Lorna Muthoni used the analogy of a rubber band to illustrate the value of growth through challenge. She encouraged the girls to stretch beyond their comfort zones, embrace hard work, and lay a strong foundation for their future careers and personal development.
The students then embarked on a guided plant tour led by Priscillah Okwako (Production Supervisor), Martha Chepkoskei (GIT), Shirley S. Muhati (Industrial Engineer and KAIZEN Lead) and Jackline Ongubo (Parts Processor). They were introduced to Isuzu’s manufacturing processes and learned about the importance of safety, organization and teamwork on the production floor.
Embakasi Girls Secondary School, a boarding institution in Embakasi Constituency, continues to collaborate with Isuzu East Africa’s women professionals to deliver this structured mentorship programme. The initiative is designed to empower students through leadership development, career guidance, and life skills that prepare them to thrive in a dynamic and evolving world.
On Saturday, Isuzu EA proudly stood side by side with the community during the Mater Heart Run 2025, with 150 employees stepping up in support of children with heart conditions. The event wasn’t just about the kilometres covered, but a powerful reflection of our values in action.
The team was led by Kevin Ochieng, Isuzu EA General Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Export Sales, whose energy and commitment set the tone for the day. Decked out in branded t-shirts and energized by purpose, our team gathered early for warm-up sessions and motivational chants before joining hundreds of other participants in a vibrant display of unity and compassion.
From flag-off to finish line, Isuzu EA employees ran with heart, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism, teamwork and corporate social citizenship.
This initiative formed part of our Employee Engagement Strategy, promoting not only wellness and fitness, but also our culture of giving back. It underscored how we at Isuzu are Driving a Better Tomorrow, one stride at a time, by contributing to causes that matter and inspiring others through our actions.
Soon after crossing the finish line, Kevin reflected on Isuzu’s purpose of doing business sustainably by caring for people.
“The energy, the unity, the cause, it was powerful! It reminded me that our work at Isuzu isn’t just about vehicles, it’s about people. And in fact, children, who represent the future generation.”
In his remarks, Gabriel Kanyingi, Isuzu EA General Manager, Commercial Finance, who is an enthusiastic runner, reinforced the importance of being part of a team that demonstrates care.
“I ran because every child deserves a healthy heart and a chance to live fully. I’m proud to be part of a team that cares beyond the workplace.”
The Mater Heart Run is one of many opportunities that reflect our ongoing commitment to employee wellness, community empowerment, and sustainability. It also strengthens our external brand by showing the human side of Isuzu, a team of professionals who care, act, and uplift through building a workplace culture that promotes wellness, engagement and purpose.
On Friday May 23, 2025, Isuzu East Africa Foundation launched a KShs.7 million water project at Kiwalwa Mixed Secondary School in Mboghoni Ward, Taita Taveta County, targeting to benefit over 2,000 residents in 500 households.
The project was part of Isuzu East Africa Foundation’s Corporate Social Impact initiatives in partnership with Davis & Shirtliff and aimed at alleviating chronic water shortages that have plagued the area in the past.
It also aims to address poor sanitation and hygiene standards that have in the past contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, enhance school attendance rates for girls who spend long hours fetching water for domestic use, and boost the local economy whose activities have in the past been severely limited due to chronic water shortages.
Speaking during the handover of the project yesterday, Isuzu East Africa Managing Director and Chair of the Board Rita Kavashe, who also chairs the Foundation, described it as a major milestone for the school and local community.
“I was raised here, I’m a product of Kiwalwa Primary School and I’m thankful for the foundation it gave me to be the person I am today,” said Ms Kavashe, adding that this is the same background she wished to bestow upon other children from the village as an inspiration to rise to top leadership locally and globally.
She urged students to aim higher and seek to achieve greater things in life, while pledging to support residents to address poor academic results that continued to plague the village and Taita Taveta County as a whole.
On the local economy, she urged villagers to plant fruit trees and other crops to achieve food security and improve their livelihoods.
The project comprised construction of a 60,000-litre water storage and distribution system, and houses for two technicians who will be handling maintenance and repair. It also included drilling of a new borehole and installation of a solar-powered water pump.
The event also saw the donation of dignity packs to over 600 vulnerable girls from 5 local schools within the community, which will last each of them a whole year, to address menstrual poverty, improve school attendance, and promote dignity and confidence among the girls.
Lauding the project, Kiwalwa Mixed Secondary School principal Ms. Muteti said it had relieved them from the financial burden of paying for water, which they would use “to do a little farming” and “plant fruit trees.”
Mboghoni Ward Member of County Assembly Halifa Taraya pledged to donate money to fund the digging of pipes to take the water to people’s homes, while describing the project as godsent and a blessing to residents.
Corporate and Sustainability Manager Dr Michael Musyoka said the school previously suffered from lack of water due to the inadequate capacity of the 10,000-litre tank and borehole that was there previously.
The new borehole was 40-cubic meters per hour and had been sunk to a depth of over 100 meters compared to the local average of 30 meters.
Davis & Shirtliff Regional Manager Michael Wajwang’a said the solar pump was a high efficiency 11Kw capacity unit linked to 34 545W solar panels to push 40,000 liters of water per hour to the storage tanks.
“The project uses clean energy, which means there are no greenhouse emissions,” he said, adding that the initiative met four of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Isuzu World Technical Competition – LCV Division is a prestigious biennial event that brings together top technical talent from across the Isuzu global network. More than just a skills assessment, the competition aims to inspire and motivate technicians to continuously improve their expertise and elevate the quality of Isuzu service worldwide.
This year’s event, held from May 20th to 21st, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, carried the theme “Engage for the Future.” It featured elite teams from 18 countries, each comprising two technicians and one coach. The competition included a rigorous Individual Writing Challenge to test technical knowledge, as well as a high-pressure Team Practical Competition focused on teamwork, speed, and accuracy in real-world service scenarios.
Team Isuzu East Africa achieved an impressive 5th place overall, emerging as the top team on the African continent and outperforming traditionally strong markets such as the UK and Australia. The team comprising of Jimmy Michuki (coach), Paul Mwangi (technician) and Martin Mwangi (technician) demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, diligence, and strict adherence to process throughout the competition.
They were ably supported by technical trainer George Kamau and Workshop Controller, Light Commercial (LC), Eliakim Vidija and Human Resources & Corporate Sustainability Director, Dr. Fred Wasike. They were joined in celebration by Isuzu EA shareholders, including Nishida-san (IML) and Kurihara-san (Itochu), along with the IMIT sales team.
A huge congratulations to our team for their outstanding performance and for flying the Isuzu EA and Kenyan flag high on the global stage!
On Tuesday, 20th May 2025, Isuzu East Africa hosted a delegation from the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, as part of their International Business Immersion Program. The visiting group, comprising 29 Executive MBA students from the Austin, Dallas, and Houston campuses, along with two faculty members and two program coordinators, was warmly welcomed at the Isuzu EA Training Centre.The event began with a friendly introduction and a comprehensive safety briefing, setting the tone for an engaging and informative visit.
The delegation was treated to a dynamic overview of Isuzu EA’s corporate culture, strategic product solutions, aftersales services, and community impact initiatives. Presentations by key leaders—including Chair of the Board & Managing Director Rita Kavashe, Director of Sales & Marketing Wanjohi Kangangi, General Manager HR, EHS & Corporate Services Collins Maritim, and Sustainability Manager Dr. Michael Musyoka—highlighted Isuzu’s operational excellence, innovation, and commitment to social responsibility.
Particularly notable was the presentation on Isuzu Aftersales Complete Care and remarks by Isuzu Women Council Chair Loise Njeri, General Manager – Parts & Accessories, which showcased the company’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment within the automotive industry.
A guided plant tour, led by Industrial Engineer & KAIZEN Lead Shirley Muhati and Process Engineer Amimo Ooko, gave the visitors firsthand insight into Isuzu’s world-class manufacturing processes.
The experience concluded with a vote of thanks from Executive Deputy Managing Director Isao Wada, who emphasized the value of cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The visit was rounded off with the presentation of branded merchandise as a token of appreciation.
This visit not only fostered cross-cultural learning and professional exchange, but also reaffirmed Isuzu East Africa’s position as a leading automotive manufacturer, committed to excellence, knowledge sharing, and sustainability.
