Isuzu East Africa have extended their partnership with Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge for another two years.
At the same time, Isuzu East Africa pledged to donate books especially in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to The Eliud Kipchoge Library that is almost nearing completion in Kapsisiywa, Nandi County.
Isuzu East Africa managing director Rita Kavashe disclosed that they are looking forward to the official opening of the library that is 90 per cent complete.
Kavashe noted that when asked by President Uhuru Kenyatta what he wanted as a gift during last year’s Mashujaa Day, Kipchoge, the world marathon record holder, sought to find something that would serve his community.
“Kipchoge asked that a library be built in his home village of Kapsisiywa so that the children and scholars in general could be empowered with education,” Kavashe noted. “I know Kipchoge is an avid reader, and I am sure the facility will serve to give exposure.”
Kavashe noted that their partnership with Kipchoge that started in 2017 before some of his trailblazing achievements came along, has indeed been extremely beneficial to their Isuzu brand.
“Isuzu East Africa is happy to continue the partnership and we are pleased that today we will sign an extension of his contract as the Isuzu D-Max brand ambassador for another two years,” said Kavashe.
Kavashe was speaking at Harmosa Garden Hotel, Nairobi where they hosted Kipchoge for dinner in honour of his contribution to Isuzu East Africa and for inspiring millions of people around the world.
Kavashe said Isuzu East Africa introduced the seventh generation of vehicles in 2019, became the number one vehicle assembler in Kenya with 45.4 percent of the market share in 2020 for the ninth year in a row, and in July 2021 marked the production of 100,000th vehicle.
“Therefore, I can confidently say that the friendship with Kipchoge has been bound together by seasons of great achievement despite the challenges that we have all experienced,” said Kavashe, who was accompanied by newly appointed Isuzu East Africa chairman, Hiroshi Hisatomi.
Hisatomi would then honour Kipchoge with one of Japan’s most coveted and highest traditional awards, the Samurai Kabuto helmet.
Hisatomi presented Kipchoge with the special helmet on behalf of Isuzu Motors Limited Japan President, Masanori Katayama.
The helmet that is traditionally worn by Samurai warriors presented to Kipchoge in recognition for his long list of achievements in which he has set world records and broken barriers in his stellar athletics career.
Kipchoge, who was accompanied by his wife Grace, thanked Isuzu East Africa for the trust and continued support.
“The Samurai helmet is a great honour and a symbol of a success story. I dedicate it to all those who have contributed to my success,” said Kipchoge, adding that the library will be completed in the next two weeks.
Also present during the dinner were Betty Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development and Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Ryoichi Horie. BY DAILY NATION