Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe and Nakamura San, Executive Vice President of Isuzu Motors Limited, during the company's 50th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi on Sept. 3, 2025. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]
Kavashe highlighted that Isuzu has expanded its regional network from 13 to 93 outlets, introduced financing models for schools, farmers and small businesses and invested more than Sh7 billion in plant upgrades and a new parts distribution centre.
The company now holds a 54 per cent market share and has created more than 1,000 direct jobs with thousands more supported in the supply chain.
She announced plans to begin assembling the Isuzu MUX SUV locally later this year, making all the company's products Kenyan-built.
Isuzu, she added, is positioning to grow exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
"Kenya remains our home and the gateway to the region, and we intend to anchor our growth here," Kavashe told the gathering, adding that the firm is also exploring fuel-efficient and lower-emission technologies in line with its environmental goals.