Rumours have swirled claiming that ENA Coach is owned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta or current Head of State William Ruto. But in truth, the man behind the flourishing transport empire is neither a politician nor a polished graduate—he is Evans Nyagaka Anyona, an industrious middle-aged entrepreneur from Kisii. ENA is more than a brand—it’s his initials, and its success is his life’s work.
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Breakthrough
Born in Riabigutu village, Kisii County, Evans lost his father in Class Six and was raised by his resilient single mother, who supported his education only up to O-levels. Despite this, he completed Form Four with a Grade D, but financial constraints halted his academic journey.
However, adversity sparked opportunity. In 1992, during a crippling drought in Kenya, Evans purchased maize at KSh 7 per tin and sold it at KSh 35 when scarcity drove demand—banking a massive profit that kick-started his entrepreneurial path.
With that capital, he opened a small shop that soon grew into a wholesale outlet. He also delved into pyrethrum brokerage, buying from farmers and selling to the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya—a highly lucrative venture at the time.
From Makeshift Matatus to Transport Mogul
In 2002, Evans bought his first Mitsubishi pickup, converted it into a “‘seven-aside’” matatu, and gradually expanded to modern Nissan and Toyota models.
By 2005, together with partners James Bichange and Haron Kamau, he co-founded Transline (later Transline Classic), funded initially through a loan from Equity Bank.
In 2010, Transline Classic formally separated from Transline, adopting 11-seater shuttles and expanding its fleet dramatically to over 80 buses.
Launch of ENA Coach: The Brand with a Name
In 2008, Evans incorporated ENA Investment Limited, under which ENA Coach operated as a division of Transline Classic.
By 2018, ENA Coach spun off into its own brand, with Evans as the primary stakeholder, delivering high-end long-distance transport services focused on quality, comfort, and trust.
A Transport Empire That Runs on Innovation and Excellence
Today, ENA Coach operates a fleet of 70+ buses, with media reporting figures around 300 employees.
Complementing Transline Classic’s operations, ENA Coach covers more than 30 routes across Kenya, including busy corridors like Nairobi–Kisii, Nairobi–Kisumu, Eldoret, Busia, Bungoma, Kitale, Mombasa, and more.
Beyond Transport: Tech and Service Innovations
ENA Coach introduced a user-friendly online booking platform, letting passengers select seats, pay, and receive confirmations via SMS and email.
Their buses come equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, and entertainment screens; waiting lounges are Wi-Fi-enabled and customer-focused.
In 2024, ENA Coach received the Pacesetter Award in the Transport & Parcel Company category for excellence in efficiency, service, and innovation.
Breaking Barriers: First Female Driver, Captain Beatrice
In a significant move toward inclusivity, ENA Coach recently celebrated the introduction of its first-ever female driver, Beatrice, assisted by co-driver Alice Rakayana—marking a milestone in Kenya’s transport industry.
Pulled Together: What This Story Tells Us
Evans Nyagaka Anyona’s rise from local drought-time maize seller to transport tycoon is more than business savvy—it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and innovation. Despite modest academic achievements, he’s built:
A major transport enterprise with Transline Classic and ENA Coach
A reputation for comfort, quality, and customer respect
A legacy that celebrates technology, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial smart
Article Snapshot
Aspect Details
Name & Background Evans Nyagaka Anyona; Kisii native; Form 4 Grade D
Early Breakthrough 1992 maize trade during drought
Business Ventures Wholesale, pyrethrum, “seven-aside” matatus, Transline Classic (2005), ENA Coach (2018)
Scale of Operations 70+ buses, 30+ routes, 300+ staff
Innovations Online booking, Wi-Fi, charging ports, modern comfort
Recognition Pacesetter Award 2024
Inclusivity First female driver inducted recently.
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