PRESS STATEMENT BY THE INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (IPCS) AND THE INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES AFRICAN NETWORK (IPCSAN) ON UP COMING KENYAN ELECTIONS

Although the country remains largely peaceful, our concern as a peace building coalition in Africa
is drawn to media reports indicating that tension is building up among supporters of the two main
political factions in some parts of the country. Other reports indicate that minorities are moving
away from areas they perceive may be insecure after the poll results are announced.
The situation has been worsened by the recent death of a senior poll official under circumstances
considered political murder. We condemn such killings and any other bloodbath in Kenya and
Africa at large.
We urge the political leaders in Kenya and their supporters to maintain peace during and after the
coming general elections. Whereas we recognize with great appreciation the country’s democratic
growth, Kenya should guard against events that led to the loss of a thousand lives, displacement of
thousands others and destruction of property worth millions of dollars following the violent conflict
as a result of disputed elections in 2007.
All political players must demonstrate peace and promote national cohesion by respecting the
wishes of the people and living by the ideals of democracy. We beseech supporters of the different
political factions to exercise restraint and tolerance in their political actions. Every citizen must
respect and protect human rights and observe all tenets of humanity as enshrined in the universal
declaration of human rights charter.
Bloodbath is never an option in any contest. Elections, just like any other contest should never be
made a matter of life and death. Human life is sacred and should be respected and protected.
Africa for a long time has looked up to Kenya as a democratic model for the region. We expect that
Kenya will live up to this high expectation of a democratic powerhouse in conduct and deed during
such defining moment.
We call upon all the international observers to be neutral while discharging their mandate
concerning the Kenyan election so as to reduce suspicion and promote peace and cohesion
among the different political factions. We also call upon the UN, the AU, EAC and IGAD to be
watchful and put up strong measures to deter any of the political factions from stealing the electionWe, the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and the Institute of Peace and Conflict
Studies African Network (IPCSAN – Alumni) hereby issuing peace and solidarity statement to
Kenya and all Kenyans for coming General Election on 8th August, 2017.
In few coming days, Kenyans will exercise civil and political rights to elect their political leaders.
We call upon on all Kenyan to exercise that rights while putting forth the national interest that
“Kenya will exist individuals will perish”. And Kenyans should vote those individuals who will hold
that interest and guarantee Kenya exists peaceful. Historically, general elections in Kenya are
contested along ethnic grounds, where leading political leaders take advantage of their ethnic
numbers and rally them to support their political causes. As a result, ethnic stereotyping and
suspicion has led to tensions and sometimes conflict violence. We call upon all Kenyans to shun
and deplore this historical thread.
This year’s elections are contested by two main political coalitions Jubilee Party (incumbent) and
NASA (opposition) and other political parties. Kenyans will be voting for presidency, which is a
national seat; there will be five other elective seats, for national Parliament and County
representatives, all of which will be conducted on the same day. This reminds that voters need to
have secured and peaceful environment and minds to cast their votes. We call upon all Kenyans,
institutions and individuals who are commissioned with roles and responsibilities of ensuring the
polling stations are secured, to execute their obligations with dignity, honest, trust, love and integrity.

 

 

 

GM NOW ISUZU EAST AFRICA

Wednesday 2nd August, 2017, Nairobi: Leading vehicle assembler General Motors East Africa (GMEA) has officially changed its company name to Isuzu East Africa Ltd signifying an end to its transition. The change of name took effect from 1^st August, 2017 after attaining the required regulatory approvals.

Speaking at Isuzu East Africa offices, Isuzu East Africa Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, noted that the change is a continuation of the vision the management and board of the company had for 40 years now.

“Over the last 40 years, GMEA has continued to assemble quality Isuzu vehicles for the market impacting several industries in the East African Market. As such, Isuzu East Africa is starting out from a solid foundation established by General Motors in the Kenyan automotive industry. This change signifies a positive continuation of our growth and strategic direction under the new majority shareholder,” said Rita Kavashe.

Rita further reiterated Isuzu East Africa’s commitment to introduce new technology, expertise and employment in the automotive sector, terming it as an investment for Kenya and the East African region.

“We believe that great opportunities lie ahead for Isuzu East Africa and the Kenyan economy. As a company, Isuzu Motors has committed to bring manufacturing and aftersales expertise to the business that will enable us to further build upon our success in Kenya. Our focus over the next five years is to accelerate our growth in other East African markets and beyond,” added Rita.

Isuzu East Africa will continue to assemble and distribute Isuzu buses and light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as well as the popular Isuzu D-Max pickups for the market. The company has maintained the leading position in market share for five consecutive years, with the Isuzu brand contributing to 95% of the company’s total sales.

“I would like to thank our customers and business partners for the continued support they have shown GMEA for the past 40 years. Through this support the company has maintained market leadership for five years in a row at a high of 35.1% stake; A true testimony of Tuko Pamoja Safarini na Isuzu.” said Rita.

The change of name was initiated when Isuzu Motors Limited acquired GM’s 57.7% shareholding in GMEA, changing its majority ownership. The move, by Isuzu Motors, was aimed at increasing focus on the Isuzu brand that constituted 95% of GMEA sales. The company will continue to support its Chevrolet customers by providing after sales service and parts.

Photo Caption: Isuzu East Africa board chair, Eisaku Akazawa (Front row left) and Isuzu East Africa Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, (5^th Left) are joined by Isuzu East Africa staff members to a toast as General Motors East Africa announced its new trading name, Isuzu East Africa Ltd. The change of name was initiated when Isuzu Motors Limited acquired GM’s 57.7% shareholding in GMEA, changing its majority ownership. Isuzu East Africa aims to introduce better expertise and technology in the market in a bid to improve business operations in the Kenyan and East African market.