Patrick Riang’a, a renowned Kenyan automotive sales expert and entrepreneur, has opened up about his decision to leave CarSoko and join Ngong Road-based Sialkot Motors, a dealership owned by Pakistani businessman Sheikh Sameer Majeed.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Patrick said his departure from CarSoko was driven by a desire for professional growth after spending nearly a decade with the company.
“The exit from CarSoko was very simple. It was about growth,” he said. “When you stay in the same place for close to 10 years, you eventually reach the highest position you can attain. At that point, you’ve hit the ceiling
Patrick explained that despite his success at CarSoko, there was little room for further advancement because the company’s ownership structure left no opportunity for him to become a shareholder.
“I could not become a shareholder in CarSoko because it already has shareholders, Sir Felix Limo and Humphrey Bartein. I had sold thousands of cars, and I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment,” he said.
He noted that one of his biggest concerns before leaving was whether his clients would remain loyal after his move to a different dealership. According to Patrick, the transition has exceeded his expectations.
“I wanted to see whether, if I moved out of CarSoko, I would still retain my clients. Luckily, it has worked for me,” he said.
Patrick revealed that in less than a month since joining Sialkot Motors, he has already sold 34 high-end vehicles, a performance he says has reaffirmed his decision.
“Since I moved, it’s been almost a month, and as of today I’ve sold 34 units, high-end cars only. Today alone, I sold two Toyota Prados. For me, it’s working, and I enjoy giving myself new challenges,” he said.
Reflecting on his career journey, Patrick likened the move to his earlier transition from the media industry into automotive sales, describing himself as someone who is not afraid to embrace change.
He also recalled leaving CarSoko on previous occasions before returning after contract renegotiations. However, he believes this latest departure is permanent.
“I left CarSoko before and joined another showroom. They renegotiated my contract and I went back. Later I left again, they renegotiated once more and I returned. But I think this time I’m not going back,” he said.
Patrick added that many of his supporters have been encouraging him to establish his own car dealership in the future.
“People are wishing that I open my own showroom, and I hope those prayers come true,” he said.
