Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya, September-10-2025
Caterpillar and its Kenyan dealer, Mantrac, marked a historic milestone in Nairobi this week as they celebrated 100 years of Caterpillar’s global journey and a century of presence in Kenya. The gathering drew senior government officials, international executives, long-time customers, and business partners, but the event was more than just a corporate commemoration—it was a reflection on how machines, people, and vision have together shaped Kenya’s growth story.
The spotlight was unexpectedly stolen by a 14-year-old boy, Samuel Omochi, who drove onto the stage in a backhoe loader he had built out of scrap metal. His invention, born of sheer determination and youthful imagination, drew admiration and emotion from the audience. Government officials, Caterpillar leaders, and contractors were quick to rally behind him. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga promised to ensure Samuel’s family could live in dignified housing, Mantrac Kenya pledged to sponsor his education and open pathways to internships and technical training, while a private contractor offered him a laptop and smartphone to nurture his curiosity.
For Mohamed Ibrahim, the Managing Director of Mantrac Kenya, Samuel’s story captured what the company’s mission is truly about. Machines may lay roads and power cities, he said, but behind every project lies the promise of better lives and brighter futures. He reminded the audience that Mantrac’s work goes beyond steel and engines—it is about fishermen in Kisumu reaching new markets thanks to a road, or children in rural villages gaining access to power and classrooms.
Caterpillar’s executives echoed this spirit of continuity and transformation. Lavanya Ajesh, the company’s Vice President for Distribution in Africa, spoke about the century-long journey from simple machines to AI-driven equipment, emphasising that while the technology may evolve, the mission remains unchanged: to build, to uplift, and to empower. She also pointed to the Caterpillar Foundation’s investments in African communities, which since 2015 have amounted to over 24 million dollars. Mantrac complemented this with its own forward-looking pledge to sponsor 1,000 pupils in the coming five years, providing not just classrooms but also water and energy solutions.
The government tied these commitments to Kenya’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030. In his address, PS Hinga reminded the audience that housing is not just about bricks and mortar, but dignity and opportunity. With more than 200,000 units already built, he said, Kenya is pressing ahead with an ambitious programme in which Caterpillar and Mantrac remain key partners.
The centennial was not all speeches and pledges. Guests enjoyed cultural performances, walked through an exhibition tracing Caterpillar’s history in Kenya, and networked with partners and innovators. Long-serving employees and loyal customers were honoured for their role in the company’s journey, and the day ended on a high note with a raffle that gave away prizes worth over a million shillings, including a generator and a trip to Spain.
Yet, as the evening drew to a close, what lingered most in the minds of many was not the corporate milestones or even the prizes, but the image of a determined teenager steering his handmade loader onto the stage. It was a reminder that Caterpillar’s story in Kenya is not just about a century of machines, but about people, communities, and the dreams that will power the next hundred years.
