KENYA – Kenyan-based technology food distribution platform, Twiga Foods, has entered into a strategic partnership with automobile manufacturer Isuzu EA and commercial bank NCBA Bank to boost affordability and safe delivery of fresh produce to retailers across the region.
The partnership that seeks to see up to 300 Isuzu trucks being released into the marketplace in phases, has flagged off its first 15 commercial trucks.
Speaking during the vehicle handover and flag-off ceremony, Twiga Group CEO, Peter Njonjo confirmed that the latest move will go a long way in creating sustainable working solutions in Kenya and across East Africa.
“To transform the African retail market and build more robust and efficient supply chains that support business growth for suppliers, there’s a need to leverage the latest technology, modern distribution and logistics models.
“Our distribution network is one of the keys to keeping our agri-food system functioning in normal and extraordinary times and we rely heavily on the trucking and transportation industry to make that happen.
The trucking and transportation system is entrenched in the strength, safety and viability of our entire food value chain,” he stated.
The online distributor headquartered in Nairobi has operations in Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Kirinyaga counties and Uasin Gishu County, sourcing produce directly from farmers and delivering them to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls who sell to the end consumers.
While giving her remarks at the launch, Isuzu EA Managing Director Rita Kavashe, highlighted that every aspect of the newly unveiled Isuzu trucks has been meticulously engineered to efficiently support a wide variety of cargo logistics deliveries across the region.
“Reliable transport for fresh agricultural produce is critical to mitigating against waste and losses caused by poor storage and transportation from farm to market.
“Today, we are here to be part of the solution, by handing over Isuzu NMR and NQR trucks that are reliable, safe and comfortable means of transporting agricultural produce,” she stated.
The latest model of Isuzu trucks comes with a bold new design that offers the highest load carrying capacity, largest deck length and longest range to transverse maximum distance.
Isuzu East Africa has also customized the trucks to allow airflow, shelving, fuel, and location tracking to support a seamless logistical process.
On his part, NCBA’s Group Managing Director , John Gachora highlighted that, “Asset financing has been a key pillar and contributor to our overall growth and success.
“With a market share of more than 35 per cent in asset finance, this means that our customers trust our asset finance solutions. We will continue to support them meet their business and personal needs.”
The collaboration seeks to offer an unrivalled service delivery of food, providing fresh, high-quality products directly to retailers across East Africa.
The move is a stepping stone for Twiga Foods which readies its expansion across East and West Africa.
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