The DT Dobie liquidation has officially been confirmed, marking the end of one of Kenya’s most iconic car dealerships after more than seven decades. The High Court appointed an official liquidator to wind up the company, months after its business assets were transferred to CFAO Mobility Motors Kenya, formerly Toyota Kenya.
The move comes as part of CFAO Group’s internal restructuring, which began in 2023. DT Dobie’s operations were merged with CFAO Motors Kenya to consolidate two of the country’s most respected automotive brands under one umbrella. Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which fully acquired CFAO in 2016, explained that the merger would streamline operations and strengthen its African mobility business.
A Legacy That Shaped Kenya’s Auto Market
Founded in 1949 by David T. Dobie, a former British army officer, the company became synonymous with quality cars in East Africa. For decades, DT Dobie was the official dealer of Mercedes-Benz in the region. It later expanded to represent Nissan, Suzuki, Maruti, and Jeep, becoming a household name in the Kenyan automotive market.
The official liquidator, Mark Gakuru, issued a notice calling on creditors to file claims before September 15, 2025. He emphasized that all creditors must prove their debts for settlement as the winding-up process moves forward.
The Transition to CFAO Motors Kenya
CFAO Motors Kenya, led by Managing Director Arvinder Reel, has now taken over DT Dobie’s business lines. The company operates two divisions: the Toyota & Yamaha Division, headed by Joshua Anya, and the Multi-Brand & Equipment Division, managed by Chris Ndala.
The court’s directive effectively ends DT Dobie’s corporate identity. However, its legacy will continue through CFAO Motors Kenya, which remains the official dealer for multiple global automotive brands.
The merger builds on a long history of acquisitions: CFAO acquired DT Dobie in 2000, Toyota Tsusho fully acquired Toyota Kenya in 2001, and later integrated all operations under CFAO in 2017. This restructuring strategy positioned CFAO Motors Kenya as one of the largest and most diversified players in the region’s automotive sector.
The DT Dobie liquidation not only closes a historic chapter in Kenya’s motoring industry but also signals the beginning of a more streamlined and consolidated automotive future under CFAO Motors Kenya.
