Business Desk 
Dr. Sylvia Agani,Commercial and Marketing Director at Salvador Caetano Kenya
- From Classroom to Showroom: How Dr. Sylvia Agani Drives Transformation at Caetano Kenya
Caetano Kenya:Unique Product Portfolio
Dr. Sylvia Agani’s professional journey defies convention—charting a path from the structured corridors of science classrooms to the fast-moving lanes of Kenya’s automotive sector.
Now the Commercial and Marketing Director at Salvador Caetano Kenya, she stands at the forefront of a company that has redefined vehicle sales and customer engagement in East Africa.
Her pivot from education to enterprise wasn’t a leap—it was a deliberate, curious stride.
“My life has been marked by adaptability and a readiness to respond to change,” Dr. Agani reflects. “Education didn’t confine me. It opened doors.”
Those open doors led her through the world of banking and government leasing initiatives, where a simple question—“What is leasing?”—sparked a new chapter. That curiosity landed her in the automotive world, where she found not just a new role, but a calling.
Today, Dr. Agani steers the commercial arm of Salvador Caetano Kenya, a powerhouse in the country’s auto market. Representing global brands like Ford, Renault, Hyundai, Kia, and JMC, the company offers everything from family sedans to rugged pickups, commercial trucks, and forklifts.
Through its Caetano Caplus division, it also provides meticulously curated pre-owned vehicles—ensuring there’s something for every Kenyan driver.
“We don’t wait for customers to come to us—we go to them,” she says with conviction.
This bold, on-the-ground strategy has reshaped how the company connects with its audience. Instead of relying solely on showroom visits—which average between 100 to 150 a month—Dr. Agani and her team take their message directly to the market.
From oil and gas expos to EV conferences and engineering forums, they present Caetano’s offerings where customers live, work, and dream.
“At some events, we speak to more than 200 people in a single session. That’s our new showroom,” she says with a smile.
For Dr. Agani, success is not transactional—it’s relational.
“We’re solution providers. The journey doesn’t end when you buy the car. That’s when it begins. Peace of mind is part of our promise.”
That promise is backed by robust after-sales support.With service centers across Kenya and a mobile service van on standby, Caetano ensures no customer is left stranded.
The company even maintains a fleet of over 340 vehicles for the National Police—a testament to its logistical reach and reliability.
But Dr. Agani is quick to credit her team for this success.
“Without the team, there’s no Caetano,” she insists. “We equip our staff with knowledge, tools, and confidence. A skilled, empowered team is our best advertisement.”
It’s this internal strength that allows Caetano Kenya to deliver exceptional value to customers. Their offerings are not just cars, but comprehensive automotive solutions.
Take the Ford Protect plan, for example—a service and maintenance package valid for up to six years or 201,000 kilometers. It’s a tangible promise of long-term support.
“Many buyers focus on the sticker price. But we help them understand the full ownership journey—the 360° value chain,” Dr. Agani explains.
With vehicle prices ranging from KES 1.1 million for a Mazda Demio to KES 17 million for high-end models like the Ford Raptor or Renault trucks, Caetano caters to everyone—from first-time buyers to large fleet operators. And they don’t go it alone.
“We work with partners like the French Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce,banks,leasing companies and WISE—Women in Safety and Intelligence,” she notes.
“We also collaborate with the Kenya Transporters Association,Truckers Association of Kenya and are active members of the Kenya Motor Industry Association.”
A recent partnership with JMC has expanded their lineup and reach even further, helping them tap into growing demand for robust commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, shifting trends—from rising interest in electric vehicles to increased demand for used cars—keep Dr. Agani’s team nimble and responsive.
“We constantly ask ourselves: what’s next? How do we evolve with the customer?”
As Caetano Kenya moves deeper into its second decade, Dr. Agani sees a broader African horizon. With a presence in over 30 countries, the company’s vision extends beyond Kenya’s borders.
“We believe in the continent,” she says with quiet determination. “We’re here to stay—and to grow.”
Her journey, marked by bold transitions and fearless curiosity, is a masterclass in leadership. Dr. Sylvia Agani redefines what it means to lead with vision, heart, and impact.
