After a remarkable 20-year journey at the helm of Easy Coach, founder Azym Dossa has announced his retirement from the company’s active management. Dossa, who built the company from the ground up, cited health challenges and the natural course of aging as his reasons for stepping down from the executive role.
In a heartfelt message to the staff, Dossa expressed that his decision was not an easy one. “While this has not been an easy decision, I believe it is the right time for me to step down due to recent health challenges,” he shared. “The directors and shareholders have kindly agreed to my request, and while I am retiring from day-to-day operations, I will continue to stay closely connected to Easy Coach and offer my guidance and support.”
Dossa’s departure marks the end of a chapter for Easy Coach, a company that has grown to become one of Kenya’s leading bus transport services under his leadership. Throughout his tenure, Dossa demonstrated resilience and a commitment to excellence, building the company into a trusted name in the industry.
Looking back on the company’s journey, Dossa reflected on the immense pride and fulfillment he felt in watching Easy Coach grow from a modest operation to a fleet of over 80 buses serving more than 35 destinations. “It has been a privilege to work alongside all of you to build Easy Coach into what it is today a respected and solid brand,” he said.
The company’s history traces back to the early days when Dossa, with a background in finance as the Chief Financial Officer of Akamba Bus, envisioned a more efficient and customer-centric transportation service. With just seven buses, Easy Coach began its journey offering day and night services between Nairobi and Kisumu, a route that quickly gained popularity. Over the next few years, the company expanded its fleet to 40 buses, serving 15 destinations.
Today, Easy Coach’s fleet is more than twice that size, and the company continues to set the standard for bus transport in Kenya. Despite facing various challenges, including the setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Dossa has always maintained a focus on strategic planning and employee welfare. “During the pandemic, we faced a significant downturn, but our priority was to ensure the survival of the business while taking care of our staff,” Dossa recalled. Instead of resorting to layoffs, Easy Coach offered its employees advance payments and allowed them to encash their annual leave.
With Dossa’s retirement, the company has appointed Technical Director Zulfiqar Adatia as the new Managing Director. However, the search for a “young and dynamic CEO” who can lead Easy Coach into the future remains underway. Dossa expressed confidence in the company’s continued success under new leadership, urging staff to extend the same trust and commitment to the incoming management team.
In his final message, Dossa emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making, strong management practices, and a commitment to embracing technology. “It’s the combination of these elements that has driven the success of Easy Coach,” he said, leaving behind a legacy of vision, perseverance, and integrity.
As Dossa steps back from his role, his contributions to the transport industry and to Easy Coach will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come. His legacy as a trailblazer in Kenya’s bus transport sector is firmly established, and his guidance will remain an integral part of the company’s future.
