Join us in celebrating the adventurous spirits and boundless creativity of our colleagues, inspiring us to strive for new horizons beyond our daily work!
In our latest Newsroom edition, we invite our readers to embark on a journey beyond the confines of the office with a new section, “Beyond the Workplace: Inspiring Feats from Our Team.”
Here, we delve into the extraordinary lives of our employees, uncovering the remarkable endeavours that lie beyond their everyday professional roles.
From conquering mountains, taking the challenge of long-distance ocean swims, to sharing transformative skills or knowledge with local communities, each story is a testament to the diverse passions and talents within our team.
Join us in celebrating the adventurous spirits and boundless creativity of our colleagues, inspiring us to strive for new horizons beyond our daily work.
Charles Kariuki, Director, Finance and Strategy – Isuzu East Africa
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Science from the University of Nairobi (1997) and an MBA in Finance. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K). Through GM University, Charles has undertaken many courses in the areas of Finance, Human Resource, Leadership and Corporate Governance.
He is a graduate of the Emerging Leader Training program under Harvard University and an Executive Coach certified by the Academy of Executive Coaches (AOEC) UK.
Apart from Career Coaching, Charles plays a leading role in the development of the community including youth mentorship and is currently the Patron of Isuzu Mentenda group and a former Board Chairman of the Council at Ridgeways Baptist Church.
In addition to all his professional and social work, Charles has achieved the amazing feat of climbing the two highest mountains in Africa – Mt Kenya standing at 5,199 metres (April 2022) and Mt Kilimanjaro at a height of 5,895 metres (8th December, 2022).
Perhaps Charles we can begin by delving into how you got interested into this hobby of mountaineering. What motivated you?
The journey to my passion to do mountain climbing started about 10 years ago. At that time, I was taking walks in Kiambu. In 2019, I was inspired by the things we do in this organisation; running a business based on purpose. In a moment of self-reflection, I was able to realise Isuzu East Africa is very good when it comes to running its business and achieving its various goals. The key was because Isuzu East Africa has set a purpose for what it wants to achieve. Given that I was quite involved in the whole process of working into the purpose, I knew if it can work for Isuzu, it can work for an individual. During a retreat in Limuru in 2019, I realised I can also use the same concept to be in a position to achieve in life through establishing a purpose and the key strategic initiatives to achieve that purpose
I set a purpose which has four key strategic results areas or pillars. The first is spiritual growth. This means being a river and not a swamp, speaking words of blessing to others, taking deliberate steps of faith, coaching and mentorship. I would like to ensure that I leave a good legacy for my kids; not to leave money or land for them. Where I come from, people love land. The second target under the spiritual pillar is emotional growth which is key in terms of how I relate with other people, make other people feel, and how I relate with the community. This involves family, friendships, books, reflection, journaling and quiettime.Theserelationshipsareguidedbymyvalueswhichare:Justice,lovingkindness,andwalking with humility. The third pillar is peace of mind; which means having financial independence, time to work on community projects, quiet time and traveling. To raise my awareness, I read quite a number of books that I have also shared with some of my friends. This helps raise their awareness so that they can have peace of mind because there is nothing as good as clarity. When you have clarity, you can do anything. When you have clarity, you can be in a position to have peace of mind. My fourth pillar which is related to the topic we are handling today, is physical health and well-being. I purposely ensure that I keep fit and continue being of good health. I have advanced my walking for the last nine years by joining a community club, GTA, which coordinates hiking. I joined in the year 2020 and that has motivated me.
What sort of preparations or training did you have to undertake to be ready for your first climb?
I did about 36 heights before I climbed Mount Kenya to ensure that I am ready for it. I did quite a bit in Aberdares, Cherengani Hills, Mount Mtelo in Western Kenya and also in the Eastern parts of our country. The preparedness started with the small hills here in Kenya to gear up for Mount Kenya.
What sort of challenges did you encounter as you took on your first climb up Mt Kenya going up 5,199M?
I did not wake up one day and decide to go to Mount Kenya. It came with about 18 months of preparation since March 2020. However, at one time when hiking in the Aberdare ranges, I had my worst encounter in a hill called Elephant Hills and that is where I had a turning point.
I’m assuming you did not do this alone. What sort of support did you get from your teammates?
Indeed, mountain climbing or mountaineering is a project and you cannot do it alone. You require a lot of support and encouragement to be in a position to achieve or even attempt to go to the next one because it’s quite a challenge. The team comes in handy in terms of encouraging you to do the practice and remain disciplined, which is very key. You will not be in a position to achieve your objectives if you don’t keep discipline. You need accountable partners who will be calling to ask how you are doing in your program and why you did not attend the last meeting. We went to Mount Kenya as a team of about 10 climbers, but we had 22 supporters, taking care of our meals, our bags and guiding us. There is a lot of support required. This is an entire project. You have to be guided, supported in terms of your stay in the mountain and with the baggage you’re carrying. If you want to achieve a certain objective, you cannot carry all the baggage, you will need to go with someone to be in a position to support you along the way.
From Mt Kenya, in the same year you decided to take on the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. Please tell us how different the experience was?
The two experiences are quite different. In my first encounter with Mount Kenya, I had all sorts of self-doubt. I was doubting what would happen because I had never been to those mountains. I was doing my own research and some of the stories were scary about what happens during mountain climbing.. I did not also have the right gears at all and I suffered quite a bit in terms of the tools that I needed to get to the mountain. I had a lot of fear of what would happen. I did not tell my colleagues because I did not want to come back and apologise that I did not make it. It was quite a top secret. There were just a few people who deal with insurances and medical I had to tell just in case everything did not get through as planned. Mount Kenya was quite a bit of a challenge. When I got to Mount Kenya, the beauty overcame everything else that I feared. The place is extremely beautiful. The trails and the beauty of our country are fantastic. Mount Kenya was a build up to Kilimanjaro. The experience was a little bit softer but the mountain was unforgiving. People say Kilimanjaro is easier than Mount Kenya. I dare you attempt it so that you can have a clearer picture about what it entails to get to the top of Kilimanjaro.
The mountain is quite unforgiving. In comparison, the two mountains are beautiful, but Mount Kenya is extremely beautiful. We have lakes and naturally flowing rivers in the mountain. I must say facility-wise we are actually millions of miles apart from Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro facilities are fantastic; completely fantastic. As hikers, we are trying to see how we can uplift our environment in Mount Kenya so that we can have a very good experience for the country’s heritage. The experience in terms of beauty Mount Kenya is so beautiful. In terms of altitude, it’s really quite tough in Kilimanjaro. That is the quick comparison I can do.
I’ve come to understand that mountain climbing is more of a mental journey than a physical journey. Did you find that to be true, and how has that shaped your perspectives in your day-to-day life following these amazing climbs?
There is some truth there and also a bit of something to top up. You require a combination of all the faculties of human abilities to be in a position to get to the mountain. You have to be emotionally, mentally and physically prepared. One of the interesting things we encountered on Mount Kilimanjaro is that there were some guys from Asia. They wanted to dash up the mountain after the base camp. They passed us at a high speed. That is the physical application of handling the mountain. One hour down the climb, I saw one of the guys being brought down in a stretcher. From that experience, I think it is better to take it slow step by step and make it. That is also what we are saying even in business that you cannot survive, even in life, on one skill alone. You need a combination of more skills to be in a position to survive in life. You also have to raise your awareness and combine quite a number of faculties for you to be successful in life.
What kinds of lessons or perspectives (personal and business) would you like to share with our audience today from these two climbing experiences – that our employees seated here, perhaps formulating their own personal goals, and surely setting their business goals can take away and implement?
There are a lot of parallels that you can draw between mountain climbing and running a business and your life. One key thing that I would pick is having a vision. If you are working without a vision, it will be a difficult climb. My starting point would be establishing a purpose. It is not an easy journey but as an individual you will need to establish a purpose in life and then figure out ways you can work through to get your purpose. That is the same case we have with Isuzu. We have a purpose and we have a strategic plan to get us there. This works very well because you are in a position to allocate resources, time, and get to ask for support that you require to get to your purpose. That is my first drawing from mounting to business.
As you set goals, ensure that you have a good process and ready to receive feedback on how you are performing. You don’t have to wait until the end of the year to evaluate how you performed. When we were doing the climb, we would get a briefing from our leader on our performance every day and his expectations for the following day. It is therefore very important for us to scan the future and get prepared for it. One of the key items I learned is the aspect of planning. You should plan on a daily basis. To-do lists are one of the most effective things that you can do. The aspect of ticking on the list encourages you to go even further. If you do your to-do list, I will be surprised if you will still be having something to do in the afternoon. It is very important for all of us to make long term goals and have a to-do list, something that you can take each and every morning. The first thing in your to-do list is to do your bed. Even if the world will be so harsh on you, at least you will go back having achieved something because in the morning you made your bed.
The other item is the aspect of having an objective. Whenever you have an objective, there is a risk. We had an objective to get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. There were so many risks along the way. From a business perspective, how do you identify and mitigate therisks along the way to achieve your objective? You need to be prepared for such risks. In the mountains, there is an issue to do with rain. If you are rained on, you will not make it to the top. If you do not have water, you will not get to the mountain. Risks are a key thing but mostly ignored even in doing business and in our personalives. Yet it is very important to identify them. How do I anticipate them and prepare well ahead on how to handle them?
The other item that I can draw from my experience in Kilimanjaro and all the other practices that we have done with the team here, is the aspect of enjoying the journey. The joy is not to get to the summit, but the experiences that you have along the way. There is nothing I enjoyed so much more than when I got stuck with 115 members of this organization going to plant trees and hike in Gatango falls (Abardares) in 2022. At some point our buses got stuck and we had to work as a team to get them out. There is no such experience. You cannot buy it, but you can learn to experience it. It is such a beautiful thing. After we went to the falls, the only thing we remember is how we got stuck and how we were dancing in Murang’a past midnight. Those are the kind of experiences that we need to make, even as we try to achieve our goals. If you achieve the goals, the year will have ended, but what can you remember? What kind of experience are you enjoying when you are doing production here, doing our services and visiting our customers? What kind of experiences are we really building with our team?
This interview was conducted during the Q1 All Employee breakfast meeting held on 7th February, 2023. To see the recorded interview, please click here: https://shorturl.at/aKrmv
1. How long have you worked at Isuzu EA and what is your current role?
It is hard to believe how swiftly time has passed. I am now entering my third year at Isuzu EA and yet it feels like just yesterday that I joined the company.
I joined Isuzu EA as a Graduate in Training (GIT) under a one-year contract which was later extended for an additional year. During the 24-month period, I initially served as an Aftersales Marketer for 19 months, contributing to various initiatives within that department. In the final five months of my contract, I transitioned into the role of a Field Engineer, where I gained valuable hands-on experience. Following the conclusion of my contract, I was offered a permanent position with the company, assuming the role of Field Engineering Assistant.
Comment about the GIT program and how it has benefited you.
I cannot help but reminisce about the sheer joy I felt when I got that call about the GIT program. I had to hide in the compressor room of my former workplace. It was an unforgettable moment, marking the beginning of an incredible journey with Isuzu EA. The GIT program at Isuzu EA has truly been a transformative experience for me, playing a pivotal role in shaping me into the professional I am today. As a recent graduate eager to take my first steps into the professional world, this program provided me with remarkable opportunities to:
What do you love most about working at Isuzu EA?
Let me begin by expressing the immense pride I feel in being part of Isuzu EA; a workplace of choice renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence. Whenever I mention where I work, there’s always a swell of pride within me. There are aspects I genuinely cherish about working at Isuzu EA:
If you were not an Engineer, what else would you have pursued?
Interior design. I have always had a deep passion for creating beautiful and inviting spaces, and the idea of transforming houses into homes where people feel comfortable resonates deeply with me.
What do you like doing during your free time? Interests, passions, hobbies etc.
I have a passion for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. It serves as a mental escape that allows me to recharge and gain perspective. Additionally, I enjoy reading books during my leisure hours. I am currently reading ‘The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli’
Where do you see yourself in five-years’ time?
I aspire to take on increasingly challenging roles that allow me to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s success while further developing my skills and expertise in the field of engineering. In five years, I hope to have achieved certification as a professional engineer.
Beyond my professional aspirations, I am deeply passionate about giving back to the community. I envision myself actively involved in initiatives that empower and mentor young girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
What advice would you give your peers as they navigate similar career paths?
Stay true to yourself and your values. Your unique perspective and contributions have the power to make a difference in the world. Trust your journey, and never underestimate the impact you can have as you strive to achieve your goals.
Is there a quote that motivates you?
Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals – by Jim Rohn.
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration in the people and experiences that I encounter along the way.
Whether it’s witnessing the dedication of my colleagues, learning from the wisdom of mentors, or being moved by the struggles and triumphs of those around me. Each encounter offers valuable lessons and insights that motivate me to strive for excellence in my own endeavours.
What skills have you found vital to your job?
I have found sincerity to be paramount. It is not just a skill, but a guiding principle that underpins every aspect of my work. The ability to approach every task with honesty, integrity and authenticity forms the foundation upon which trust with my colleagues and clients is built.
Teamwork also stands out as an indispensable skill in my job. It not only amplifies our collective strengths but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support that fuels our success.
How do you maintain work-life integration?
I have a guiding principle: ‘don’t play at work and don’t work at play.’ This means that wherever I am, whether it’s at work or at home, I strive to be fully present and engaged in that moment.
While at work, I am committed to giving my best and never shortchanging my employer. I approach tasks with dedication, focus, and professionalism, ensuring that I contribute positively to the team and organisation.
Conversely, when I’m at home with my family, my priority is to be present and available to support them physically and emotionally. I believe in being fully engaged in quality time with my loved ones, creating cherished memories and nurturing strong relationships.
What professional associations are you a member of?
Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
Imagine that you were the CEO of this company, what is the first thing you would do?
Haha! I think I would initiate a company-wide ‘Reverse Day.’ On this day, traditional roles and hierarchies would be flipped upside down.
Junior employees would take on the responsibilities of senior leaders, making strategic decisions and leading meetings, while executives would swap roles with entry-level staff, rolling up their sleeves to experience the day-to-day challenges firsthand.
By experiencing each other’s roles, we would gain valuable insights into the perspectives and challenges of our colleagues, leading to greater collaboration and innovation.
Sounds fun, right?
What qualities do you look for in friends?
I gravitate towards individuals who show compassion and empathy towards others. Friends who genuinely love and support me unconditionally are invaluable. Loyalty is also essential; I value friends who stand up for me, even in absentia. These qualities form the foundation of strong and meaningful friendships, enriching my life in countless ways.
How do you handle workplace disappointment?
I believe workplace disappointment always provides an opportunity for growth and learning. I strive to approach it with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Of utmost importance is addressing the situation with objectivity and a solution-oriented mindset.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Bali, Indonesia. I hear it offers an unforgettable travel experience. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The Isuzu EA Aftersales and Channel Development Director Julius Mwangi led a pivotal business deployment meeting on March 28, 2024 with ASOs and Mashinanis at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies. These dealerships collectively contributed an impressive 23% share of Isuzu EA’s parts business, amounting to KSh459 million in the fiscal year 2023.
With unwavering determination, the team is poised to soar to greater heights, setting their sights on a revenue target of KSh568 million for the fiscal year 2024. This ambitious goal reflects a remarkable 24% growth projection from the previous fiscal year’s achievements.
Isuzu EA Managing Director Rita Kavashe graced the occasion and delivered an inspiring message. She urged the team to cultivate a long-term vision for their businesses, emphasising the importance of strategic foresight in driving sustainable growth. Rita also expressed heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable contribution in ensuring customers’ vehicles’ uptime, underscoring their pivotal role in enriching the Isuzu EA customer experience.
Isuzu East Africa hosted a vibrant evening session on March 20, 2024 to celebrate and appreciate the continued partnership with esteemed members of the media. The event, held at Serena Hotel, brought together business and sports journalists, editors, and automotive bloggers for an evening of networking, insightful discussions, and celebrating their vital role in shaping the automotive landscape in East Africa.
Isuzu East Africa Sales and Marketing Director Wanjohi Kangangi expressed his sincere appreciation for the invaluable support and unwavering commitment of the media partners. He emphasised the vital role of the media in fostering transparency, sharing information, and shaping public perception. He remarked that Isuzu’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless dedication of the media partners.
Throughout the event, guests were treated to an interactive display showcasing Isuzu East Africa’s journey since its inception, East Africa’s export market, latest innovations, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement programs. From electric vehicle prototypes to impactful social responsibility projects, attendees had the opportunity to gain insights into the company’s various endeavours aimed at its readiness in the market and driving positive change in the society.
The Q&A session covered a wide range of topics, from Isuzu’s research and development, latest product launches, technological advancements, sports sponsorship to its future plans for the region. The Isuzu East Africa team provided insightful responses, shedding light on the company’s commitment to innovation, customer experience and stakeholder engagement.
On March 14, 2024, the Isuzu East Africa Drivers Academy, in collaboration with Bamburi Cement Plc, held its fourth graduation ceremony. A total of 26 drivers, including four women, were honoured for completing their training, which took place in August and November of 2023.
Established in 2019, this program aims to equip drivers working for Isuzu East Africa’s customers with essential skills, transforming them into proficient drivers capable of efficiently handling logistics operations. The curriculum covers a wide range of areas, including equipment handling, economical driving techniques, understanding commercial vehicle financing and insurance, and utilising tools such as Google Maps for navigation.
Addressing the audience at the event, Isuzu East Africa Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability Director Fred Wasike, emphasised the program’s crucial role in enhancing road safety. He underscored the importance of driver discipline and exemplary behaviour in achieving this goal.
Bamburi Cement Plc Sustainability and Geocycle Director, Jane Wangari, described the significance of their partnership with Isuzu EA. She highlighted the Women on Wheels (WoW) initiative, launched in 2021, which aims to diversify the traditionally male-dominated driver workforce. Wangari stressed the importance of enrolling more women into the program, with a target of training 50 women this year. She emphasised that this effort is not only about gender balance but also about meeting road safety and sustainability objectives.
The program’s core focus remains on instilling drivers with the necessary values and skills, contributing significantly to national efforts to bolster road safety standards.
On March 13, 2024, Isuzu East Africa, Co-operative Bank, and CIC Insurance announced an asset financing partnership tailored for schools and businesses grappling with weakened financial capabilities. The prevailing economic challenges have severely impacted the cash reserves of many schools and businesses, necessitating customised financial terms to ensure operational continuity.
William Ndumia, the Retail and Business Banking Director of Co-operative Bank, highlighted the bank’s track record of supporting over 10,000 commercial vehicles in the past five years, including financing 1,500 matatus through Isuzu East Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Group CEO – Dr. Gideon Muriuki, Ndumia observed that tough economic times had made it difficult for many customers to raise capital for deposits, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by MSMEs, schools, and learning institutions.
Rita Kavashe, the Managing Director of Isuzu East Africa, acknowledged the partnership with Co-operative Bank as a vital step towards providing solutions to ensure the resilience of businesses, schools, and learning institutions amidst varying economic conditions. She expressed gratitude for the launch of a joint asset financing partnership, offering a 95% financing option for Isuzu’s N-series, F-series, Pickups, TFS, and TFR Series, along with a 100% financing option for school buses.
As part of the program, Isuzu EA pledged to provide a 5,000-litre water tank for medium buses (26-seater) and a 10,000-litre water tank for large buses (51-seater and above) for every school that purchases a bus.
Isuzu EA held its Quarter 1 Dealer Sales Teams Business Meeting on March 9, 2024 aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and a renewed sense of unity among all teams across the Isuzu EA network.
Strategic Alignment
The core focus of the meeting was to align Isuzu strategies with the ever-evolving market landscape. Through insightful presentations and open discussions, the team collectively refined Isuzu business objectives, 2023 business performance overview, ensuring the team is poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities as rolled out in the 2024 business plan.
Team Building Activities
To complement the strategic discussions, the team engaged in a series of team-building activities designed to strengthen bonds and enhance teamwork.
Awards
2023 was a year marked by resilience, adaptability and notable achievements gracing various fronts. The update meeting served as a platform to spotlight exceptional contributions from individuals and teams who exemplified excellence. Their remarkable efforts were celebrated and recognized. Their stories stand as inspiring beacons, illustrating the power of excellence, dedication and collaboration in shaping Isuzu shared success.
ISUZU EA BEST OF THE BEST SALES AWARDS
During the meeting, a number of sales executives were recognized for their exemplary performance in 2023 and especially during the Q4 Big Finish. They were awarded with Trips to Bangkok and Watamu.
To qualify for Bangkok, one had to sell at least 7 vehicles per month for dealer teams and 10 vehicles for Isuzu EA retail during the Big Finish. For Watamu, the qualify was at least 5 vehicles sold per month. The awardees and their different categories are listed below.
Quality Controller RYCE EA David Chege
Trip to Watamu, Malindi Qualifiers
DEALER : TMD
Monicah Mugure Mwarangu
James Kiarie
Michael Muriithi
Mirriam Nganga
DEALER : KCI
Maureen Liz Kendi Miriti
Peter Maina Kuria
Andrew Aoko Omondi
DEALER : RYCE
Kenneth Mwaniki Macharia
Doreen Kendi
Jackson Nyaga
DEALER: AM
Eric Muriuki Thuita
Lilian Kondigo
Isaack Kipchumba Sianah
Festus Maitha
DEALER: ACMG
Leonard Kiplangat Koech
Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed
DEALER: CFG
Cecilia Muia
James Musyoki Kiluva
Catherine Kathini Muthui
Justus Mathenge
Patrick Mugalo
Stephen Keter
DEALER: ISUZU EA
James Musyoki Kiluva
Catherine Kathini Muthui
Justus Mathenge
Patrick Mugalo
Stephen Keter
Trip to Bangkok, Thailand Qualifiers
DEALER : TMD
Nderitu Louis Ndebu
Naomy Mwangangi
Elisha Kibichii
Gladys Mugo
DEALER : KCI
Agnes Muthoni Mutungu
Kirui Victor
Joseph Wamiti Maina
Henry Kimiti
Fredricks Onjala
Eyan Maina
DEALER : RYCE
Patrick Wangombe
Joyce Wairimu Muhuhu
Lydia Njeri Maina
Bernard Onyango Adongo Nyamrer
Fridah Njagi
Jack Maina
Patrick Muigai Kabata
Samuel Ndung’U Muhuhu
David Chege
DEALER: AM
Vincent Kolline Ochieng Juma
Phyllis Hortensia Wangui Njoroge
Ezekiel Gekara Nyansageria
Joseph Kimani
Paul Kamau Mwangi
John Ngugi
DEALER: CFG
Mohamed Kala Alio
Claire Chepngeno
Kiplimo Kosgey
DEALER: ISUZU EA
Mohamed Adan
Ireri James
Anne Rose Nyawira Kiragu
Brian Muola
Clinton Ochieng
Big Finish Campaign 2023 Service Referrals Awards
Highest bookings
Miriam Wambugo – 114 Referrals | TMD
Ivy Mworia – 108 Referrals | TMD
Nancy Jelagat – 95 Referrals | CFG
Vehicle Sales Executives
Teresiah – 40 Referrals | TMD
Kimeli Too – 34 Referrals | CFG
Simon Mwangi – 17 Referrals | CFG
Part sales Executives
Miriam Nganga – 57 Referrals | TMD
Vincent Omolo – 45 Referrals | AM
Mervin – 38 Referrals | Ryce
Service Advisor
Sheila Michesi – 101 Referrals | Ryce
Marion Njoki – 96 Referrals | CFG
Vivian Cherotich – 88 Referrals | AM
Workshop Manager
Kiplimo Kosgey – Revenue Amount: 14.3M/- CFG
Isuzu Women Council hosted an International Women’s Day Event on March 8, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi. This annual celebration honours women and their accomplishments, serving as a platform to recognize their contributions to society. The chief guest at the Isuzu EA event was Hon Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Kenyan Cabinet.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was “Inspire Inclusion,” aimed at advocating for gender equity through deliberate actions that challenge stereotypes, address barriers, and promote an environment that embraces diversity and fosters mutual respect for women.
Addressing the audience during the event, Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe, highlighted that this year’s theme presents an opportunity for envisioning a world of gender equality – free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. She emphasised the importance of implementing gender-responsive policies and interventions, such as equal opportunities in hiring, training, and remuneration, to drive rapid progress towards this goal.
Loise Gichure, Chairperson of the Isuzu Women Council, congratulated all the awardees, commending them for their embodiment of the principles of diversity and inclusion. She affirmed their dedication to fostering an inclusive society where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected.
The panel discussion centred on the theme of International Women’s Day, emphasising that when individuals are inspired to understand and appreciate the importance of women’s inclusion, societies are propelled toward a better future. The event culminated in the recognition and award of ten women who had excelled in different fields while making a positive impact in society.
On March 5, 2024 Isuzu East Africa announced that it had secured distributorship rights for UD Trucks Kenya through Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan. This acquisition grants Isuzu EA the responsibility for assembly, sales, and aftersales support of UD Trucks in the country.
Announcing this new collaboration in the heavy commercial vehicle sector, Isuzu EA MD Rita Kavashe emphasised that the partnership would solidify Isuzu’s position in the region as a trusted provider of transportation solutions, offering high-quality products tailored to meet customer needs. She conveyed Isuzu EA gratitude for the opportunity to incorporate the UD Trucks brand into its portfolio.
Mourad Hedna, the President of UD Trucks MEENA (Middle East, East & North Africa Region), expressed confidence in Isuzu East Africa’s capability to deliver exceptional support to UD Trucks customers through comprehensive aftersales services and expertise.
This partnership integrates the comprehensive and modern UD Trucks range with the robust Isuzu EA local knowledge in the trucking industry. Such synergy pres- ents an immensely appealing value proposition for Ken- yan customers, supporting their growth and prosperity. Additionally, the collaboration is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and bolster the local assem- bly sector.
In a harmonious blend of business updates and a heartfelt farewell, Isuzu East Africa hosted a memorable breakfast that brought together the entire workforce on February 6, 2024. The setting was not just an ordinary breakfast meeting but an opportunity to seamlessly integrate crucial business updates with a retirement celebration for Retail Sales Manager Priscila Mathiu, a dedicated employee who had contributed significantly to the company’s success for 34 years.
The meeting kicked off with a comprehensive business update, where leaders shared insights into the company’s current achievements, future goals, and the exciting developments on the horizon. The informative session provided a platform for open communication, ensuring that every team member was aligned with the company’s vision and direction.
The dual nature of the event created a unique synergy, symbolising the balance between celebrating the company’s collective achievements and recognizing the individual contributions that shape its success.
Colleagues found inspiration not only in the business updates that showcased Isuzu East Africa’s resilience and growth but also in Priscila’s story, a testament to the enduring spirit of the company.
It was a morning that left an indelible mark on the Isuzu East Africa community, fostering a sense of unity, gratitude, and excitement for the journey ahead.
In a heartwarming ceremony celebrating their 14th marriage anniversary, Archbishop John Githiri bestowed his beloved wife, Reverend Rachael Githiri, a truly special gift on February 14, 2024: an Eliud Kipchoge D-Max limited edition. This surprise not only marked their enduring union but also served as a Valentine’s Day surprise gift, symbolising Archbishop Githiri’s profound love and appreciation for his wife. Reverend Rachael Githiri was visibly overjoyed by this gesture, deeply touched by the sentiment behind it.
Rita Kavashe, the Managing Director of Isuzu East Africa, aptly described the Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Special Limited Edition as a tribute to the unwavering dedication individuals exhibit in their daily endeavours. Isuzu EA Chairman Hiroshi Hisatomi, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that acquiring this special edition goes beyond a mere transaction; it signifies a meaningful relationship with Isuzu East Africa, built on trust and mutual respect.
Archbishop Githiri took the opportunity to reflect on his journey with Isuzu East Africa, expressing his gratitude for the exceptional customer experience provided by Ryce EA Sales Executive, Samuel Muhoho. This underscores Isuzu East Africa’s concerted effort to cultivate and uphold meaningful relationships with its customers.
Dorcas Ogonga, the Service Manager at Ryce East Africa, elaborated on the comprehensive after-sales services and options available to the couple, including a complimentary car checkup after the first 1000 kilometres. This commitment to ongoing support further solidifies the bond between the Githiris and Isuzu East Africa, ensuring a seamless and rewarding ownership experience.
In essence, the handover ceremony was a testament to the enduring love shared by Archbishop John and Reverend Rachael Githiri, as well as a celebration of their partnership with Isuzu East Africa – a partnership rooted in mutual respect, dedication, and excellence.
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