Kenya, Aug. 16 -- The DT Dobie shutdown marks the end of a 76-year legacy in Kenya's automotive industry, as the iconic car dealer enters liquidation following a merger with CFAO Motors Kenya in April 2023. The High Court appointed Mark Gakuru as the official liquidator on August 15, 2025, to oversee the winding-up process after a special resolution passed on June 3, 2025.
This DT Dobie brand closure concludes a storied chapter for a company that shaped Kenya's motor industry, leaving creditors until September 15, 2025, to file claims.
Founded in 1949 by Colonel David Theodore Dobie, DT Dobie became synonymous with Mercedes-Benz and Nissan franchises, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Kenya's automotive market.
The company's integration into CFAO Motors Kenya, under the Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC), was part of a strategic restructuring to streamline operations and boost market share. Effective April 1, 2023, DT Dobie transferred all business assets to CFAO Motors, consolidating under a single brand to form Kenya's largest automotive distributor with a 30% market share, second only to Isuzu East Africa's 44.7%.
Despite the merger, the DT Dobie shutdown reflects challenges like high operational costs and currency volatility.
The liquidation process, governed by Kenya's Insolvency Act, requires creditors to submit Proof of Debts via the eCitizen portal by the deadline to claim distributions.
Failure to comply risks exclusion from any payouts, as stated by the Official Receiver. The merger with CFAO Motors, led by Managing Director Arvinder Reel, unified operations across 36 branches, offering brands like Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.
The Toyota & Yamaha Division, headed by Joshua Anya, and the Multi-Brand & Equipment Division, led by Chris Ndala, now manage DT Dobie's former portfolios, including Automark pre-owned vehicles and Winpart spare parts.
The DT Dobie brand closure has sparked nostalgia among Kenyans, with X posts reminiscing about its role in introducing luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz to East Africa.
However, the merger also led to unspecified job losses in 2023, reflecting the economic pressures that culminated in the liquidation. Industry analysts point to declining luxury car sales, down to 11 units in 2024 from 29 the previous year, as a factor in the decision to dissolve the DT Dobie entity.
The company's legacy persists through CFAO Motors, which continues to service its brands and customers nationwide.The automotive sector in Kenya faces broader challenges, including shifting consumer demand and high taxes, which have hit dealers hard.
The DT Dobie shutdown follows other high-profile exits, like CMC Motors' pivot from passenger vehicles to agricultural equipment. CFAO Motors Kenya, however, is expanding its footprint, assembling vehicles like the Landcruiser 79 and VW Polo at facilities in Mombasa and Thika, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable mobility solutions.
Public sentiment on X reflects a mix of sadness and pragmatism, with users acknowledging the DT Dobie brand closure as inevitable amid market dynamics.
Some praise CFAO's streamlined approach, which enhances aftersales services through Autofast centers and partnerships with Total Energies. Others lament the loss of a historic name, recalling DT Dobie's pioneering role in Kenya's post-independence automotive growth.
As the September 15 deadline approaches, the DT Dobie shutdown process underscores the need for creditors to act swiftly to secure claims.
The liquidation, managed by Mark Gakuru, will distribute remaining assets per statutory guidelines, formally ending the company's corporate existence.
CFAO Motors Kenya, now the steward of DT Dobie's legacy, is poised to maintain its market leadership through diversified offerings and an extensive dealer network.
The DT Dobie brand closure signifies a broader trend of consolidation in Kenya's automotive sector, where efficiency drives survival. CFAO Motors' absorption ensures continuity for customers, but the loss of the DT Dobie name evokes reflection on its contributions since 1949.
In conclusion, the DT Dobie shutdown after 76 years marks the end of an era, with the brand's legacy enduring through CFAO Motors Kenya. As the industry evolves, the focus remains on navigating economic challenges while preserving the quality and service that DT Dobie championed for decades.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.