Rita Kavashe
Tribute
Kenya's automotive industry recognizes Rita Kavashe, MBS, AoEC for driving Isuzu East Africa's growth, but her children know her for the countless miles driven to support their dreams, the steady hand on the wheel during life's unexpected turns, and the way she's navigated them toward independence while remaining one of their safest harbours. We celebrate not just her corporate journey but the family road trips where the most important destinations weren't on any map.
Profile
Rita Kavashe is the Managing Director and Chairperson of Isuzu East Africa Limited, the leading motor vehicle assembler in the region. She joined General Motors East Africa in 1995 and rose through the ranks, becoming the Sales and Marketing Director before being appointed Managing Director in 2011. Following Isuzu’s acquisition of General Motors’ majority stake in 2015, Kavashe continued her leadership, overseeing the relocation of the pick-up truck assembly line from South Africa to Kenya, which created 150 new jobs. Her leadership has been instrumental in positioning Isuzu as a dominant player in the East African automotive market. Kavashe also holds key positions in several influential organizations, including Chairperson of the Kenya Motor Industry Association, Independent Non-Executive Director at Bamburi Cement Company, and Board Member of Kenya Vision 2030. In addition to her corporate leadership, Kavashe has contributed significantly to the development of Kenya’s transport and industrial sectors. She serves as the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board and the National Transport & Safety Authority and is a member of the Governing Council of the Automobile Association of Kenya. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Chairperson of British American Tobacco Kenya and a member of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Kavashe was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2017. Beyond her professional achievements, Rita Kavashe is a mother.