By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 December 2025 - The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), through the State Department for Industry, has intensified nationwide consultations on the Draft National Automotive Bill 2025, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive policymaking in a sector with significant economic implications.
As part of the public participation exercise, government officials met stakeholders in Kisii on Monday and are scheduled to hold another forum in Kisumu City on Tuesday (today).
The Kisumu meeting will take place at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre from 8:30am, bringing together industry players, transport operators, county officials and members of the public.
The Draft National Automotive Bill 2025 seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to guide the growth, regulation and competitiveness of Kenya’s automotive industry.
The proposed law focuses on strengthening local vehicle assembly, encouraging investment in component manufacturing and supporting the transition to cleaner and more efficient transport technologies.
MITI Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana said the Bill is central to the country’s industrial transformation agenda.
“The Draft National Automotive Bill 2025 is a critical instrument in positioning Kenya as a competitive automotive hub in the region. Through these public participation forums, we want to ensure the law reflects the realities on the ground and supports local manufacturing, innovation and job creation,” Dr Mukhwana said.
He noted that the government is keen on building an inclusive automotive ecosystem that balances industrial growth with consumer interests.
“We are listening to views from traders, transport operators, county governments and the public so that the final legislation promotes affordability, safety and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Holding consultations in counties such as Kisii and Kisumu signals a deliberate shift away from Nairobi-centric policymaking.
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Western Kenya is a key transport corridor and a major market for both new and used vehicles, making regional input particularly relevant to discussions on imports, standards, taxation and market access.
Analysts observe that the forums also provide an opportunity to gauge public reaction to proposed reforms that may affect vehicle import rules, incentives for local assembly, and the regulation of electric and hybrid vehicles.
These issues are expected to elicit strong views from traders and consumers, especially in regions heavily reliant on road transport.
Dr Mukhwana emphasised that regional engagement is essential to the success of the legislation.
“Industrial development cannot be designed from the capital alone. Regional perspectives are essential in shaping a law that will drive equitable growth and unlock economic opportunities across the country,” he said.
The consultations come as the government moves to finalise the Bill for tabling in Parliament later this year.
If enacted, the law could significantly reshape Kenya’s automotive landscape by reducing dependence on fully built imports while promoting domestic value addition and employment.
As public participation continues across the country, attention will be on how stakeholder input is incorporated into the final draft and whether the proposed legislation can balance industrial ambition with consumer needs and the realities of Kenya’s diverse transport ecosystem.
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