Easy Coach founder’s final send-off set for Saturday

A photo collage of Easy Coach founder Azym Dossa and Easy Coach buses, February 26 /FILE

Family, friends and business leaders will on Saturday bid farewell to Easy Coach founder Azym Dossa, whose death was announced by the company this week following a short illness.

Easy Coach described Dossa as a devoted family man and visionary entrepreneur who guided the transport firm from its inception in 2003 until his recent retirement.

He is survived by his wife Dilshad Dossa, sons Tariq Dossa and Khaled Dossa, daughters-in-law Armita and his grandchildren Kian and Arman.

“Azym was kind and caring, known for his generosity, wit and wisdom. His charismatic presence and genuine compassion left a lasting impression on the community,” Easy Coach said in a statement.

The funeral ceremony will be held at the Aga Khan Cultural and Religious Centre along 5th Parklands Avenue on Saturday February 28 at 9.15 am, after which the cortège will leave for the Ismaili Cemetery at 10am.

Dossa’s death marks the end of a 21-year journey at the helm of one of East Africa’s leading passenger transport providers.

Under his leadership, Easy Coach grew from a modest start-up with seven buses operating a single Nairobi–Kisumu route into a major intercity operator serving more than 35 destinations across the region.

He was credited with shaping the company’s operational culture, introducing structured schedules, standby buses for emergencies and a customer-focused model that helped build trust in long-distance travel.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sad demise of Azym Dossa, founding director and former managing director of Easy Coach,” the company said in an earlier statement, hailing him as a leader whose strategic direction defined its formative years.

Before founding Easy Coach, Dossa served as Chief Financial Officer at the now defunct Akamba Bus, gaining experience that later informed his approach to modernising passenger transport services in Kenya.

He retired from active management citing health challenges and age, though he pledged to remain connected to the company in an advisory capacity.

During his tenure, he steered the firm through turbulent periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted the transport sector.

“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 said in a past interview.

In its tribute, the company thanked Warshow, Sheikh’s team and staff at Aga Khan University Hospital for their care.

“On behalf of the shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff of Easy Coach, we extend our deepest condolences to Dossa’s family and loved ones. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace. Amen.”