As ISUZU East Africa commemorates its 50th anniversary under the theme Isuzu Young, the organisation continues to nurture a holistic future generation through its STEM Education pillar within the Mentorship program. This commitment was exemplified during the Palmhouse Foundation Alumni Forum held on 20 December 2025 at Rabai Power Station in Kilifi. Fred Wasike, Chief Guest […]
As ISUZU East Africa commemorates its 50th anniversary under the theme Isuzu Young, the organisation continues to nurture a holistic future generation through its STEM Education pillar within the Mentorship program. This commitment was exemplified during the Palmhouse Foundation Alumni Forum held on 20 December 2025 at Rabai Power Station in Kilifi. Fred Wasike, Chief Guest and Director at the Isuzu East Africa Foundation, addressed alumni, mentors and partners.
The forum, held under the theme “Empowered to Lead and Serve – Sustaining Impact Beyond Sponsorship”, brought together alumni, mentors and sponsoring partners to inspire young people to embrace purposeful leadership, self-reliance and long-term societal impact.
Fred was accompanied by lead mentors Sandra, Joseph and Hannah, alongside volunteer mentors from the UD Trucks team in Mombasa. Together, they guided alumni through an interactive mentorship session focused on leadership, service, and sustaining impact beyond sponsorship, reinforcing the transformative role of STEM education and ethical mentorship in shaping future-ready leaders.
In his keynote, Fred underscored that true leadership is purpose-driven, anchored in values and aligned with the positive impact one seeks to create. He challenged alumni to channel their education, skills and experiences toward contributing meaningfully to communities and society at large.
“Purpose-driven leadership is defined by the quality of decisions you make and the integrity with which you make them. Leadership manifests long before senior roles, in how you collaborate, solve problems, and serve others.” said Fred.
Palmhouse Foundation, a non-profit organisation, empowers vulnerable children through quality education, mentorship and life skills development. By partnering with corporates and institutions, the Foundation equips learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to become independent, self-sustaining adults capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Isuzu East Africa has been a sponsor of Palmhouse Foundation since 2005 among other key partners, providing scholarships to bright and talented secondary school students, with a strong emphasis on STEM education. To date, 118 students have benefited, including eight under the sports and talent category, a distinctive dimension of the program. Looking ahead, Isuzu East Africa will continue supporting the CBC Senior Secondary Pioneer Class.
Beyond financial support, Isuzu East Africa actively engages through employee mentorship during holiday program, alumni forums, Graduate-in-Training programmes and industrial attachment opportunities. These initiatives reflect the organisation’s philosophy that sustainable impact emerges when education, mentorship and practical exposure converge.
Through partnerships such as Palmhouse Foundation, Isuzu East Africa continues to invest in future generations, cultivate purpose-driven leadership, and translate corporate responsibility into lasting societal impact.
23rd May 2026: A sea of green flowed through the streets of Nairobi on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as more than 100 employees from Isuzu East Africa joined thousands of participants in the Mater Heart Run 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Joined by their family members, employees turned up in large numbers to support the annual charity initiative that raises funds for life-saving heart surgeries for children. The event brought together people from different organizations and communities under one shared purpose; Touching a child’s heart.
The day began with a reflection by His Grace Most Reverend Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, Catholic Church, who challenged participants with the question, “How is your heart?” His message encouraged runners to reflect not only on physical wellness, but also on compassion, kindness, and the importance of standing together in support of others.
From KICC through the Upper Hill route and back, the run became more than a fitness activity. It provided employees with an opportunity to connect beyond the workplace, strengthen teamwork, and participate in a meaningful cause alongside their families and colleagues.
As one of the key sponsors and active participants, Isuzu East Africa once again demonstrated its commitment to employee wellness, teamwork, and community impact — values that continue to shape the company’s culture.
Speaking after the event, Robert Weyime, General Manager, Financial Controls, Reporting and Corporate Planning at Isuzu East Africa, noted that the testimonies shared by children who had benefited from heart surgeries gave deeper meaning to the run and reminded participants of the impact created through collective action.
Dancan Muhindi, Communications Manager at Isuzu East Africa, commended employees for their enthusiasm and commitment, noting that the strong participation reflected the company’s people-centered culture and dedication to creating opportunities that promote wellness while making a positive difference in society.
This year’s event carried additional significance as the Mater Misericordiae Hospital marked its 60th anniversary — celebrating six decades of restoring hope, saving lives, and bringing communities together for a noble cause.
On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Sales and Marketing Division of Isuzu EA stepped beyond the workplace and into a space where hope is rebuilt and futures are reimagined. Led by Director Wanjohi Kangangi, the team visited Kwetu Home of Peace in Ruai, for a social impact engagement dedicated to restoring dignity, nurturing potential and standing in solidarity with vulnerable boys on their journey toward a better future.
Kwetu Home of Peace is a sanctuary for boys who once lived on the streets, offering them a second chance at life. Through a structured two-year rehabilitation program, the centre provides shelter, education, healthcare, psychosocial support and life skills training that help the boys rediscover their identity and purpose. Since its inception, the home has successfully rehabilitated more than 3,000 boys, guiding them toward becoming responsible and productive members of society.
Today, the centre hosts 51 boys, each carrying a unique story of resilience and possibility. Within the nurturing environment of the home, the boys attend school and develop talents in music, sports and creative expression. Their celebrated band and acrobatic team have become symbols of transformation, demonstrating what is possible when compassion meets opportunity.
During the event, the Isuzu EA delegation received a heartfelt welcome from the boys through a vibrant band performance that filled the compound with energy and pride. Among those present were alumni who once walked the same path and had returned to encourage the younger boys, living proof that the journey of rehabilitation can lead to a life of purpose and contribution.
The centre’s mission is guided by devoted caregivers, mentors and leaders among them, Sister Janerose, the Executive Director and Sister Clementina, the Assistant Director, who continue to dedicate their lives to nurturing the boys, ensuring they grow in confidence, discipline and hope.
The day began with a moving morning mass led by the boys themselves. Their voices, raised in song and prayer, created a powerful moment of reflection that united the visitors and the boys in shared gratitude and faith. It was a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, resilience and joy can flourish.
Following the service, the Isuzu team toured the centre’s facilities, including the dormitories, classrooms and the farm where the boys learn practical agricultural skills. These spaces represent more than physical structures, they are stepping stones toward stability, responsibility and self-reliance.
As part of the initiative, the Sales and Marketing team presented donations carefully selected to meet the home’s priority needs. These included food supplies, clothing, shoes, bedding, books, stationery and STEM learning materials, alongside essential hygiene products and household items. Yet beyond the material support, the true spirit of the day was found in the shared moments between the employees and the boys.
Employees rolled up their sleeves to participate in hands-on activities such as gardening, cleaning shared spaces and organizing supplies. Laughter echoed through the compound as conversations, games and mentorship sessions unfolded. These interactions, built bridges of empathy and encouragement, reminding the boys that they are seen, valued and believed in.
Speaking during the visit, Sales and Marketing Director Wanjohi Kangangi praised the extraordinary work being done at the centre and reflected on the potential he had witnessed in the boys. “What we have experienced here today is deeply inspiring. The intelligence, curiosity and wisdom we have seen in these young boys is remarkable. It reminds us that every child carries immense promise when given the opportunity to grow,” he said. He also spoke passionately about the importance of balanced empowerment in society. “We must also remember the boy child. These boys deserve guidance, mentorship and an equal chance to build their future. When we nurture their confidence and self-belief, we are safeguarding the strength of the next generation.”
General Manager, Export and Vehicle Marketing Kevin Ochieng, a senior mentor within the Isuzu MENTENDA mentorship program, addressed the boys with words of encouragement and reassurance. “Your story does not end with the challenges you have faced,” he told them. “What defines you is the courage to keep moving forward, the discipline to learn and the determination to build the life you deserve.” He further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to mentorship and guidance. “Through the Isuzu MENTENDA mentorship program, we will continue walking with you. You are not alone in this journey. We want you to see mentors who believe in your potential and who will encourage you to dream bigger, work harder and become the leaders you are meant to be.”
The visit concluded with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony and a group photo, capturing a moment of shared celebration between the boys and the Isuzu team. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that compassion, when translated into action, can create lasting impact.
For the employees who participated, the engagement strengthened teamwork and deepened their sense of purpose. For the boys, it reinforced a message that the wider community believes in them and is willing to walk alongside them as they rebuild their futures.
This initiative reflects Isuzu EA’s enduring values of relationships and excellence, demonstrating that true leadership extends beyond business to meaningful community engagement. It also resonates strongly with the company’s 50th anniversary theme, “Isuzu Young,” a celebration of investing in the next generation and empowering young people to thrive.
On Monday, 2nd February 2026, Isuzu East Africa launched the locally assembled ISUZU mu-X SUV at Mombasa Road plant, marking a milestone in Kenya’s industrialisation.
Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, reaffirmed government support for the automotive sector through job creation, innovation, local content, and policies such as the National Automotive Policy Bill. He highlighted funding initiatives like the KES 13.1 billion Samurai Bond, the vehicle leasing programme, and urged corporates to champion local brands, citing ISUZU’s partnership with Eliud Kipchoge.
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, noted that local assembly strengthens technical skills, value addition, and employment across the automotive value chain, aligning with the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya policy. He emphasised quality, safety, and compliance, referencing standards like KS1515.
H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura, Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, praised ISUZU East Africa for creating jobs and delivering reliable vehicles, highlighting the long-term partnership and Japanese investment in Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
Rita Kavashe, Chair and Managing Director, announced that 100% of ISUZU vehicles sold in Kenya are now locally assembled, with the mu-X being the first ISUZU model assembled outside Thailand for export. She noted enabling policies have reduced prices by up to 27%, and the new mu-X production line has created 50 direct jobs supporting broader socio-economic impact. She also announced the launch of ISUZU’s leasing programme.
Junichi Kubo, President of Isuzu Motors International Operations, praised ISUZU East Africa’s customer-centric approach, while Keizo Yoshimura, VP of Isuzu Motors Thailand, affirmed the mu-X meets global safety and quality standards adapted for Africa. Eliud Kipchoge, brand ambassador, highlighted the alignment of ISUZU’s values with discipline, endurance, and excellence.
The launch brought together shareholders, directors, partners, suppliers, dealers, financiers, and media, showcasing the collaborative effort between government, industry, and international partners in positioning Kenya as a regional automotive hub.
The Isuzu EA, UD Trucks team, led by Paul Gitau, Coast Regional Sales Manager, joined hands with Fujita Corporation, one of our valued fleet customers, our dealers Associated Motors and Ryce East Africa and the local implementing partner, Amani Mikoko Self-Help Group, in growing 2,000 mangrove seedlings along the Dongo Kundo Bypass area in Mombasa County last Saturday.
This collaborative effort marked the third phase of the mangrove reafforestation initiative in the region, bringing the total number of trees grown to 6,000 since the project began. It reflects Isuzu EA’s continued commitment to driving sustainability through partnerships that create lasting environmental and social impact.
The Dongo Kundo Bypass area has for years faced environmental challenges caused by human encroachment, deforestation, and the effects of climate change, leading to the depletion of mangrove cover. These coastal forests play a vital role in stabilizing shorelines, preventing erosion, and serving as powerful natural carbon sinks, absorbing up to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests. Their preservation and restoration are therefore essential in mitigating the effects of climate change and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Speaking during the event, Paul Gitau emphasized the importance of sustaining the initiative and expressed optimism about scaling up the mangrove growing efforts to 5,000 seedlings annually from next year. “Our goal is to make a lasting environmental impact by protecting these vital ecosystems and supporting community-led conservation efforts. Together, we can achieve a greener, more resilient future,” he said.
The mangrove reafforestation initiative forms part of the Isuzu EA Foundation’s Environmental Pillar, which supports climate change mitigation through sustainable tree growing, water access projects, bee-keeping initiatives and the establishment of tree nurseries.
This project also aligns closely with the United Nations SDGs, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
As an automotive manufacturing company, Isuzu EA recognizes the need to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility. By investing in initiatives that restore ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions, the company continues to reaffirm its commitment to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for Kenya.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the mangrove growing activity also served as a powerful employee engagement platform, fostering teamwork, environmental consciousness and shared purpose among participants. It provided an opportunity for employees and partners to contribute their time toward volunteer hours under the Isuzu EA Foundation, reinforcing the company’s culture of community service and collective impact.
1st November 2025: ISUZU employees returned to the Wanjerere Aberdares Forest for our second community service tree growing day this year, and the experience was powerful, memorable, and deeply impactful. Despite the cold, the mist, the rain, and the heavy mud, the spirit of everyone present remained unshaken. This was a demonstration of purpose lived and purpose carried.
Led by the Isuzu East Africa Foundation Director Charles Kariuki, 148 employees out of a target of 150 registered turned up for the activity, recording an impressive 98.5 percent turnout. Officials from the Green Shine Self-Help Group had mobilized the local community comprising men, women and their children to join forces with Isuzu employees in growing trees that will directly transform the future of the Aberdares landscape.
At the start of the activity, Peter Kariuki, the Secretary of Green Shine Self-Help Group, emphasized the meaning of this continued partnership. “These seedlings we are going to grow here have come from our Isuzu Aberdares nursery that was established last year, and we want to thank you for this continued initiative that is very sustainable,” he said.
In total, 15,000 trees were planted on this day, and out of these 30 percent were fruit trees that will directly support the community’s livelihood in years to come. Supported by Growth Through Adventure who is the implementing partner on the ground, this initiative added to earlier progress and now brings the total number of trees grown in the Aberdares by Isuzu so far this year to 30,000.
The Aberdares is one of Kenya’s major water catchment towers and a key source of the water supplied to Nairobi where Isuzu East Africa operations thrive. Every seedling planted in this forest contributes to securing the future of the water systems that support both our business, employees, customers and communities.
This day reflected not just planting trees, it was planting unity, strengthening relationships, nurturing resilience, and demonstrating true partnership between Isuzu and the community. The rain did not weaken the mission, it strengthened it. The mud did not distract the commitment, it proved it. The journey of re-afforestation continues, and before the rainy season ends, we look forward to growing even more.
4th October 2025: As ISUZU East Africa celebrates 50 years of excellence under the theme “50 Years Young,” the company is not only reflecting on its journey but also looking ahead to the next generation that will define its future. The word “young” captures the spirit of possibility, creativity, and innovation that ISUZU sees in the youth of Kenya, who represent the heartbeat of the nation’s progress and the next 25 years of ISUZU’s growth story.
In this spirit, the ISUZU East Africa Foundation is planting seeds of transformation through its education pillar, STEM Education. The Foundation believes that when young people are given access to technology, they begin to see themselves as creators of solutions rather than just consumers of them. Recently, this belief came to life in Kakamega County, where ISUZU donated fifteen computers to six marginalized secondary schools. This gesture opened new doors for students who had never interacted with such resources before, allowing them to dream, to explore, and to build skills that will prepare them for a world driven by innovation.
Alongside the computers, the Foundation also donated soccer balls and volleyballs, recognizing that leadership and teamwork are built both in the classroom and on the field. Sports teach discipline, resilience, and unity, qualities that nurture strong, confident leaders who are ready to make a difference in their communities.
Leading this impactful initiative was Dr. Fred Wasike, Director of the ISUZU East Africa Foundation, whose passion for education and youth empowerment continues to inspire meaningful action. He was joined by two young and dynamic colleagues from ISUZU’s Information Technology Department, Kevin Ngetich and Pharrell Kitusa, who brought technology to life for the students. Their hands-on engagement not only equipped the learners with practical skills but also showed them that with curiosity, effort, and belief in themselves, they too can be innovators and problem solvers.
This initiative also speaks strongly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4) through improved access to digital learning, Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by empowering marginalized schools, Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by fostering employable skills, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through collaboration with communities and schools. These actions align with ISUZU’s vision for sustainable impact, ensuring that its growth over the next twenty-five years is deeply rooted in empowerment, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Through education, technology, and mentorship, ISUZU East Africa is shaping a future that is young, bold, and full of promise. It is a future where every child, regardless of background, can dream, to innovate, and to drive Kenya forward, one idea at a time.
As ISUZU East Africa celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the company continues to reaffirm its commitment to conducting business in a sustainable manner, creating meaningful impact within society and empowering communities.
In the spirit of caring for the environment, and ahead of Mazingira Day, a public holiday celebrated on 10th October to promote environmental conservation, the ISUZU East Africa Foundation launched its first tree planting and tree growing activity of the season in the Aberdares, Wanjerere area.
The activity not only marked a significant milestone in the company’s environmental stewardship journey but also underscored ISUZU’s dedication to employee engagement in sustainability. Over 150 ISUZU employees volunteered their time and effort, working side by side with the local community to plant 15,000 trees. This collective effort demonstrated the power of unity, purpose, and corporate responsibility in protecting the environment for future generations.
Ten percent of the trees planted were fruit trees donated to the local community to support household food security and income generation. The Wanjerere community, which primarily depends on tea farming, now has an additional source of livelihood through fruit production, reflecting ISUZU’s broader goal of creating shared value where business meets social good.
All seedlings were sourced from the ISUZU Aberdares Nursery, constructed, resourced, and donated by ISUZU East Africa in 2024. The nursery, with a capacity of over 52,000 seedlings, stands as a long-term investment in sustainable reforestation and community empowerment.
Beyond restoring forest cover, the initiative contributes to the rehabilitation of the Aberdares water catchment area, which feeds into the Nairobi region. This directly supports Kenya’s ongoing efforts to combat the effects of climate change, aligning with the Government’s National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign, which targets 15 billion trees by 2032.
By integrating environmental action with community partnership and employee participation, ISUZU East Africa advances key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Through such initiatives, ISUZU East Africa demonstrates that sustainable business goes beyond operations, it is about people, purpose, and partnership. The company continues to build a legacy of environmental care, employee engagement, and community resilience, driving Kenya and future generations toward a greener, more sustainable future.
As Isuzu East Africa continues to commemorate its 50th Golden Anniversary, it also remains mindful of the communities that have stood alongside the company throughout its journey of growth. Recognizing them as key stakeholders in its story, the company is deliberate in extending its celebration beyond business milestones, reaching into the lives of the next generation through impactful community programs.
On 4th September 2025, through the Isuzu East Africa Foundation, the company reached out to Karama Academy in Kibera. The school, situated in one of Nairobi’s most challenging informal settlements, serves children from needy and vulnerable backgrounds. Karama Academy depends greatly on the generosity of NGOs, community-based organizations, and well-wishers such as the Heart-to-Heart Organization, whose contributions keep the doors of learning open for the children it serves.
During the visit, women mentors from Isuzu held motivational and inspirational conversations with the girls. Mentor Regina Mbogo shared her journey of resilience, recalling how, as a young girl, she admired bank clerks and chose to pursue a career in finance. Mentor Priscillah Okwako spoke of breaking barriers as the first woman to work on the production line, formerly a male-dominated space, demonstrating the power of determination and courage. These stories humanized the message of empowerment, showing the girls that their aspirations, too, are valid and attainable.
Beyond the inspiration, the mentors provided annual dignity packs to help keep the 50 vulnerable girls in school despite challenges of menstrual poverty. To further encourage holistic development, they also donated soccer balls and volleyballs, reinforcing the value of sports in nurturing teamwork, discipline, and confidence among children.
On 10th September 2025, the Foundation extended this commitment with a follow-up visit to Olekemunke Primary School in remote Kiserian, Kajiado North County. Here, another 50 vulnerable girls each received annual dignity packs. These girls come from marginalized communities where early marriages, though outlawed, remain a deeply ingrained practice. For them, education is not just a right but a hard-won opportunity.
Like Karama, Olekemunke Primary School relies heavily on support from well-wishers. Its remoteness and the poor state of road infrastructure make it difficult for resources to consistently reach the children, particularly during harsh seasons. Yet, it continues to serve as a beacon of hope for girls determined to learn and chart a different path.
Leading the donation was Charles Kariuki, a director in the Isuzu East Africa Foundation and a tireless advocate for girls’ education. His efforts go beyond material support, he engages elders within the community, fostering dialogue about the importance of keeping girls in school. Through his mediation, he bridges tradition and progress, showing how empowered women can return to uplift their communities, working side by side with men to create sustainable growth.
Through these initiatives, Isuzu East Africa affirms that its 50th Golden Anniversary, celebrated under the theme 50 Years Young, Mbele Pamoja, is not only a reflection on the past but also a commitment to the future. By investing in the education and empowerment of girls, the company aligns itself with the Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. More importantly, it sows the seeds of a future workforce, future customers, and future leaders who will carry forward the values of resilience, innovation, and community.
In this way, the Golden Jubilee is not just a commemoration but a sustainability plan, one that paints a picture of the next 25 years as a journey shaped by empowered young people, communities that thrive, and an organization that continues to grow forward together.
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.
