Mantrac Kenya, the local representative for heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, marked a major milestone this week, celebrating a century of the company’s global operations and its presence in Kenya. The centennial event, held on Tuesday, brought together business leaders, government officials, and customers to highlight a long-standing partnership in the country’s development.

The ceremony underscored Caterpillar’s role in building key infrastructure across Kenya, from roads to power generation projects. Mohamed Ibrahim, Mantrac Kenya’s managing director, opened the event by emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the nation’s future growth.

“The story of Caterpillar in Kenya mirrors our global journey,” said Nigel Lewis, Mantrac Group’s chief operating officer. “It is a story of vision transformed into reality. From roads and infrastructure that fuel the country’s growth, to expanding production at farms, to power for small communities and even modern data centres, our machines and power generation solutions have helped turn the government’s vision and people’s ambitions into realities.”

Lavanya Ajesh, Caterpillar’s vice president of distribution for Africa, noted that the company has invested more than $24 million since 2015 through its foundation to support communities where Mantrac operates.

A panel discussion on infrastructure and youth empowerment was a centerpiece of the celebration. The panel included executives from Mantrac and Caterpillar, along with Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary for Housing. A surprise guest, 14-year-old innovator Samuel Omochi, drove his homemade backhoe loader onto the stage, drawing a powerful reaction from the audience.

Omochi, who built the machine from scrap materials, shared his dream of becoming an engineer. His story moved the panelists, prompting a series of on-the-spot pledges. Hinga, the housing PS, vowed to help Omochi’s family secure proper housing, linking the teen’s ambition to Kenya’s broader housing goals.

“Housing is not just four walls and a roof, it is dignity and opportunity,” Hinga said, adding that the government has already built more than 200,000 housing units and plans to raise $1 billion to construct more.

Ibrahim from Mantrac committed to supporting Omochi’s future by providing tuition, an internship, and a spot in Caterpillar’s Technicians for the World program. Daniel Wamahiu, CEO of Roben Aberdare, a major Mantrac client, also pledged to give the young innovator a smartphone and a laptop.

The panel concluded with a unifying message: Caterpillar’s centennial is not only a celebration of machines, but a testament to the people and opportunities created throughout its history in Kenya.