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 […]
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
