Easy Coach’s founding director and former Managing Director, Azym Dossa, is dead.
Dossa, leadership has been hailed as one that helped shape the company into one of Kenya’s leading passenger transport service providers.
In a statement on Thursday, Easy Coach described Mr Dossa’s passing as a great loss to the company and the wider business community, remembering him as a visionary leader whose dedication and strategic direction shaped the company during its formative years.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sad demise of Mr Azym Dossa, founding director and former Managing Director of Easy Coach,” the company said.
Mr Dossa was credited with playing a key role in building the company’s operational and service standards, helping establish its reputation for reliability and customer-focused transport solutions.
“Mr Dossa’s vision, leadership, and dedication shaped Easy Coach from its earliest days and left a lasting legacy that will always be part of who we are as a company,” the statement added.
The company extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, wishing them strength and comfort during the difficult period of mourning.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May Allah grant him eternal peace and give strength and patience to all who mourn his loss. Ameen,” the statement read.
Industry players and business leaders also paid tribute to Mr Dossa, recognising his contribution to Kenya’s public transport sector and his role in promoting modernised intercity travel services.
His passing has been widely described as the end of an era, with many remembering him as a pioneer who helped transform passenger transport services in the country.
Dossa, death comes after retiring from active management, ending a 20-year run at the helm of the bus company.
He had cited health challenges and age as the reasons behind his exit from the corner office at the company’s main offices located at Railways go-down, along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi.
“This has not been an easy decision. However, given my recent health challenges associated with advanced age, I am of the opinion that this is the right time for me to step down. The directors and shareholders of the company have kindly acceded to my request,” Dossa says in a past memo to staff, seen by the Star.
“While I am stepping down from the executive, I will remain closely connected to East Coach and will continue to offer my guidance and support to the company,” he added.
Dossa’s history in the country’s bus transport industry dates back to the days of the collapsed Akamba Bus where he once served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
He started the company with an initial fleet of seven buses operating a single route between Nairobi and Kisumu, both day and night services, with a standby bus to ensure a seamless rotation for regular maintenance and potential rescues when needed.
Today, the company’s fleet has more than doubled from that number, with Easy Coach currently considered one of the biggest bus companies in Kenya with over 35 destinations.
One of Dossa’s challenging period was during the Covid-19 pandemic, which took a toll on the company’s operations and the entire transport industry at large.
“Our profits diminished drastically, and our reserves were significantly depleted during this challenging period. However, it was important for us to make strategic decisions that ensured our business’s survival while also taking care of our employees,” he noted during a past interview.
