CFAO Motors Kenya has partnered with Metal Equipment Co Ltd in a move that will make the latter the authorised conversion partner for the new improved Safari Landcruiser 79.

The partnership marks the inaugural collaboration in East and Central Africa between Toyota Motors Corporation and a local supplier for the conversion of a vehicle.

Metal Equipment Co Ltd met the global conversion standards hence a locally converted Safari Landcruiser 79 will be availed with a warranty from the original vehicle manufacturer.

The partnership will see the vehicle adopt a lighter body design with no alteration to the base of the vehicle.

“We are excited to partner with Metal Equipment Co Ltd to offer high-quality converted vehicles to the safari market segment,” said CFAO Motors Deputy Managing Director Joshua Anya.

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Anya added, “This partnership is in line with our commitment to improving the quality and reducing the cost of ownership of our vehicles to our customers."

Engineers from CFAO Motors and Metal Equipment Co Ltd have jointly managed to fabricate the body cage and fitted it with fibreglass hence reducing the gross weight by about 800kgs.

CFAO Motors Engineering Product & Development Manager Tom Odoyo, CFAO Motors Deputy Managing Director Joshua Anya, Metal Equipment Co Ltd Director Dhanraj Matharu and Metal Equipment Co Ltd Executive Consultant Kuljeet Singh. PHOTO/CFAO

CFAO Motors says tests show a significantly improved fuel economy, and reduced wear and tear in brake pads and suspension compared to traditional Safari Landcruiser 79 in Kenya.

“We are honoured to be the authorized conversion partner for CFAO Motors and Toyota Motors Corporation,” said Metal Equipment Co Ltd Director Dhanraj Matharu.

He added, “We share the same values of quality, safety, and reliability with CFAO Motors and look forward to maintaining this trend throughout the partnership.”


The new improved Safari Landcruiser 79 boasts of a lower total cost of ownership, better payload and a spacious interior and is targeting tour companies operating in Kenya.

“This global certification serves as evidence that when local companies and the Jua Kali sector prioritises quality and continuous improvement. We are capable of producing products that are recognised globally,” concluded Matharu.