A Centennial Milestone: Mantrac Kenya Commemorates 100 Years of Caterpillar with a Vision for the Next Generation
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Mantrac Kenya, the country’s sole authorized Caterpillar dealer, hosted a centennial celebration in Nairobi to mark 100 years of Caterpillar’s global operations and its presence in Kenya. The event gathered senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, Caterpillar and Mantrac executives, customers, and partners, underscoring the deep-rooted relationship between Caterpillar and Kenya.
The ceremony, began with a speech from Mantrac Kenya Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim, who spoke about Caterpillar’s role in Kenya’s development and Mantrac’s commitment to the future. Nigel Lewis, Chief Operating Officer for Mantrac Group, noted that Caterpillar’s story in Kenya mirrors its global journey, transforming visions into realities through infrastructure and power solutions. He announced a new plan to sponsor 1,000 pupils over the next five years, providing everything from classrooms to solar power.
Lavanya Ajesh, Caterpillar’s Vice President of Distribution for Africa, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the company’s 100-year journey. She praised Mantrac’s long-term investment in the country and reaffirmed Caterpillar’s commitment to communities through the Caterpillar Foundation, which has invested over $24 million since 2015 in countries where Mantrac operates.
The event featured a panel discussion on infrastructure and youth empowerment. The panel included Ajesh, Ibrahim, Principal Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga, Mantrac Group CFO Frédérique Duranton, and 14-year-old innovator Samuel Omochi, who drove a homemade backhoe loader onto the stage. Samuel shared his story of building the machine from scrap, inspiring powerful exchanges among the panelists.
PS Hinga pledged to assist Samuel with proper housing, linking his ambition to Kenya’s wider housing agenda. Mohamed Ibrahim stressed that Mantrac’s mission goes beyond machines, confirming that the company would support Samuel’s future with tuition, an internship, and enrollment in the Technicians for the World program. Lavanya Ajesh celebrated Samuel’s determination while highlighting Caterpillar’s global reach and commitment to innovation. Frédérique Duranton affirmed Mantrac Group’s dedication to nurturing local talent and providing financial support to customers.
The session also included a testimonial from a Caterpillar machine operator who praised the comfort and reliability of the equipment. Daniel Wamahiu, CEO of Roben Aberdare, one of Mantrac’s clients, also shared his perspective on the reliability of Caterpillar machines and the quality of Mantrac’s service. He pledged to provide Samuel with a smartphone and laptop to support his technological exploration. The panel concluded with a message that the centennial is a celebration of people and opportunities, not just machines.
The celebration also featured cultural performances and a showcase of Caterpillar’s history. Guests reflected on the company’s contributions to Kenya’s infrastructure and its role in supporting Kenya Vision 2030. The day concluded with a recognition of Mantrac’s customers and longest-serving employees, and a raffle with prizes including a generator and a trip to Spain.
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