Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) on Wednesday marked its 50th anniversary with a pledge to expand investments and position Kenya as a regional automotive hub.
The celebration at the company’s Nairobi Assembly Plant featured a symbolic time capsule ceremony and the unveiling of its roadmap for the next 50 years.
Chair of the Board Chair and Managing Director, Isuzu EA, Rita Kavashe, said the firm has been part of East Africa’s growth since 1975, supporting multiple sectors through reliable transport solutions.
“Our story is one of trust, resilience, and transformation. For 50 years, Isuzu vehicles have supported farmers, transported children to school, and driven businesses. Today, we celebrate our golden past and look forward with optimism,” Kavashe said.
Key investments highlighted include the ongoing construction of a KShs 3 billion Parts Distribution Centre in Lukenya, the KShs 1 billion Electro-Deposition Paint Plant commissioned in 2023, and the partnership with UD Trucks to assemble and distribute the brand in Kenya.
Principal Secretary for Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana lauded the company for aligning with Kenya’s industrial agenda, noting that Isuzu EA’s operations directly support the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Isuzu EA’s vehicles are not just on Kenyan roads—they are crossing borders into the region, carrying our goods and pride. This reinforces Kenya’s position as a growing automotive hub,” he said.
Isuzu Motors Limited Senior Executive Officer Koji Nakamura reaffirmed the Japanese automaker’s commitment to Africa, citing future investments in multi-pathway vehicle technologies and carbon-neutral solutions.
The company also paid tribute to long-serving employees and unveiled the ISUZU ID corporate philosophy, which will guide its operations over the next five decades.
The sealed time capsule, containing letters, photographs, vehicle models, and a signed message from Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, will be opened at Isuzu EA’s 75th anniversary in 2050.
