Caterpillar Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has been marking 100 years since its first machine was delivered to Kenya. The milestone reflects a century-long presence in the country, where Caterpillar machinery has supported infrastructure development across multiple sectors.
The first Caterpillar machine arrived in Kenya in 1925, making it the first country in Africa to receive equipment from the company. Since then, Caterpillar has played a role in major national projects, including road networks, dam construction, mining operations, power generation, and railway infrastructure.
In Kenya, Caterpillar equipment is distributed and supported by Mantrac Kenya, part of the Mantrac Group. The dealership has worked closely with Caterpillar for over 40 years, providing local service, technical expertise, and more recently, financing solutions to customers across the country.
Projects highlighted as part of the centennial include support for the construction of Embakasi Airport in the 1950s, various dam projects in the 1960s, major highway expansions in the 1970s and 1980s, and contributions to the LAPSSET corridor in more recent years.
Beyond equipment supply, the Caterpillar–Mantrac partnership has also focused on skills training, local employment, and community projects, such as school infrastructure and water access initiatives.
Looking ahead, both companies have expressed commitment to continued investment in local talent, sustainable technologies, and customer-centric solutions to support Kenya’s ongoing development.
