Need to empower women drivers inspires a partnership between Isuzu and Bamburi cement
By Mumbi Mutoko
Isuzu East Africa and Bamburi Cement join forces in an effort to uplift women in the trucking industry.
Dubbed “Women on Wheels”, the program aims at fostering driving expertise, expand job opportunities, and fortify road safety across the country.
In her address at a recent Isuzu Drivers Academy’s fifth graduation ceremony, Rita Kavashe, the managing director of Isuzu EA, highlighted the advantage of skills, and why the ripples of their collaboration extend beyond certification, and signifies a firm step towards gender equality, industry advancement, and the creation of a safer, more inclusive road environment.
“Today marks a positive step forward for the Isuzu EA fraternity as we remain confident that the newly certified drivers – will indeed build on our commitment to provide reliable, efficient transport services to Kenyans,” said Kavashe.
She emphasized that the initiative extends beyond “mere skills” acquisition – it embodies a philosophy that reinforces customer experiences, bolstering the company’s foothold in the industry.
“The trainings at the academy were also expected to translate to enhanced customer experiences hence increased retention of Isuzu customers,” she affirmed.
Bamburi Cement’s Group CEO, Mohit Kapoor, heralded the importance of amplifying the presence of women in the truck driving profession. He underscored the pivotal role played by the Women on Wheels (WoW) program in reshaping industry dynamics and empowering female drivers.
“The private sector needs to attract more female drivers into the profession by treating them as capable and valued professional drivers,” Kapoor said, adding that the initiative is within Bamburi Cement’s broader framework of corporate responsibility.
“We are committed to working with our partners to scale this initiative and close the gender gap in the driver profession as part of our sustainability programs under Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and Health, Safety and Environment Agenda,” he added.
Since its inception in 2019, the Isuzu Drivers Academy has strived to equip drivers not only with the technical prowess required to navigate Kenyan roads but also with a deep-rooted commitment to responsible motoring practices.
