Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) welcomed a delegation from the New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business Executive MBA (EMBA) program, reinforcing its position as a key player in Kenya’s automotive and business landscape.
The visiting group, consisting of 58 executive-level leaders and three faculty staff members, arrived in Kenya as part of a week-long Global Immersion Experience (GIE)—an initiative designed to expose executives to international business environments. The participants hailed from industries such as finance, sales, marketing, healthcare, consulting, and media, providing a diverse backdrop for knowledge exchange.
Understanding Kenya’s Economic and Business Landscape
The visit to Isuzu EA was a strategic stop aimed at exposing the EMBA students to innovative companies driving Kenya’s economic growth. Speaking at the event, Rita Kavashe, Chair of the Board and Managing Director of Isuzu EA, highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a key driver for business opportunities.
“Kenya and Africa have a young population, which presents opportunities for business growth. We are pleased to host you so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the business landscape in Kenya and East Africa.”
Isuzu EA provided an in-depth overview of its operations, market strategies, and industry contributions, covering key areas such as:
- Brand partnerships, including its collaboration with Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.
- Regional trade dynamics, including trading blocs and tariffs affecting the automotive sector.
- Production capabilities and challenges, highlighting the company’s role as a leading vehicle assembler in East Africa.
- Skill development and talent acquisition, underscoring the role of vocational training and employment creation.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, spearheaded by the Isuzu EA Foundation, focusing on road safety, education, and environmental sustainability.
These discussions were guided by Dr. Fred Wasike, Isuzu EA’s Director of Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability.
Isuzu EA’s Growing Role in Global Business Engagements
Isuzu EA’s engagement with the NYU delegation follows a series of similar high-profile visits in the past year, reflecting its regional and global business influence:
- July 2024 – Hosted 25 executives from the CEO Apprenticeship Program (CAP) Uganda, a leadership program bringing together professionals from diverse sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, and banking.
- August 2024 – Welcomed 40 EMBA students from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) as part of their module on “Doing Business in Africa” in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School.
- January 2025 – Hosted Hisayuki Fujii, Japan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, alongside Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura, and a delegation of 50 representatives from Japanese corporations.
These engagements highlight Isuzu EA’s commitment to corporate education, global business partnerships, and industry leadership.
The Global Perspective on Industry Learning
Dr. Erin Tanaka, Associate Director of the Global Immersion Experience at NYU Stern, emphasized the value of direct industry exposure in shaping executive education.
“Company visits are central to the Global Immersion Experience (GIE) and provide valuable real-world applications to the theoretical concepts and skills students learn in the classroom.”
She praised the extensive nature of the visit, noting:
“I have been in many GIE programs, but this one has been extensive and fascinating to understand the full scale of the company’s processes. There has been so much grace in each interaction. We were happy to meet you and visit Kenya. It is a beautiful country.”
The visit concluded with an in-depth plant tour, offering a firsthand look at Isuzu EA’s vehicle assembly operations and technological advancements.
Isuzu EA’s Market Leadership and Future Outlook
Isuzu EA remains the leading motor vehicle assembler in East Africa, having sold over 150,000 vehicles since 1977. The company has held the top position in Kenya’s new commercial vehicle segment for 13 consecutive years, with a 60.2% market share in 2024.
In 2024, Isuzu EA further expanded its market reach by becoming the official importer, assembler, distributor, and full-service provider of UD Trucks in Kenya. This move strengthens its position as a dominant force in the region’s transport and logistics industry.
Final Thoughts
Isuzu EA’s engagement with global executives underlines its commitment to knowledge-sharing, sustainable business growth, and fostering international collaborations. By hosting the NYU EMBA delegation, the company continues to solidify its reputation as a regional leader in automotive innovation and corporate responsibility.
As Kenya’s automotive industry evolves, partnerships with global academic institutions will play a critical role in shaping leadership, skill development, and economic expansion—a vision Isuzu EA is actively championing.
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