Caterpillar celebrates centum as it eyes AI-driven future

In a star-studded ceremony held in Mantrac headquarters on Tuesday, the innovation giant prided itself on the resilience and customer trust it has built over the years, etching its name on Kenya's transformation legacy.

Mantrac Kenya, the Caterpillar sole authorized dealer representative in the country, was keen on highlighting the significance of Caterpillar’s century-long partnership with Kenya.

Mantrac Kenya Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim said the key agenda of the company has been tied to improving livelihoods and communities by playing a role in creating effective infrastructure.

“When we build a road, we do not simply provide machines to lay asphalt. We improve lives, like the Kisumu Road that allowed fishermen to bring their catch to Nairobi markets," he said.

Ibrahim reaffirmed that Mantrac Kenya will remain committed to powering the next century.

Caterpillar Vice President Distribution Lavanya Ajesh added that the commitment to provide effective solutions exceeds business and the company will maintain its momentum on establishing seamless growth and formidable partnerships.

"Through the Caterpillar Foundation, we have invested more than 24 million US dollars since 2015 to support communities across the countries where Mantrac operates," she said.

"While our products may look different from a century ago, our mission remains the same: to power growth, uplift communities, and build Kenya, one century at a time.”

On his part, Mantrac Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nigel Lewis highlighted the success of the innovative partnership, noting that the spirit of uplifting communities has been positively fostered with a significant expansion awaiting to be effected.

"It's more than products, it's more than the yellow brand because turning 100 is a story of the people. It's a story of turning dreams into reality. It's about braving challenges to create moments like these," he said.

"Mantrac is honoured to be part of Kenya’s story of growth and progress. We have just signed off on a plan to sponsor 1000 pupils over the coming five years, and we will do whatever it takes, from classroom building and finishing, to water supply, to power provision whether solar or regular, to reach this goal."

Since setting up shop in Kenya in 1925, Caterpillar has contributed to the construction of roads, bridges, dams, schools, hospitals, and digital connectivity, while supporting Kenya's Vision 2030.

With a goal to expand its legacy in the next century, Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim intimated that the company will focus on digitizing its services and operations while leveraging Artificial Intelligence to bolster innovation and service delivery.