By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 2 June 2026 - Kenya is seeking to deepen partnerships with global vehicle manufacturers as it pushes to expand local assembly and automotive component production in a bid to create jobs and position itself as a regional automotive hub.
Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the government is pursuing policy reforms and strategic investments aimed at strengthening the country's automotive sector and increasing local value addition.
In a statement after meeting with Ford Africa President Neale Hill and his team in Nairobi, Mr Kinyanjui said discussions focused on opportunities for local assembly and manufacturing of vehicle parts as Kenya accelerates its automotive industrialisation agenda.
Ford vehicles, including the popular Ford Ranger pickup, have a significant presence in the Kenyan market, making the company a key potential partner in the country's plans to expand domestic automotive production.
“Kenya is keen on strengthening the automotive sector through progressive policy reforms and strategic partnerships that will promote local manufacturing of vehicle parts, create jobs, and position the country as a regional automotive hub,” Mr Kinyanjui said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that local component manufacturing remains central to the government's automotive strategy, saying it has the potential to generate employment, strengthen supply chains and enhance technical skills among Kenyan workers.
“Local component manufacturing is critical in driving Kenya’s automotive revolution. It not only creates jobs for our youth but also strengthens supply chains, builds technical capacity, and supports industrial growth,” he said.
Kenya has in recent years sought to grow its automotive industry through incentives for local assembly plants and policies aimed at reducing reliance on imported fully built vehicles. Industry players argue that expanding local production could lower costs, stimulate industrial growth and increase exports to regional markets.
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Mr Kinyanjui said Ford had expressed interest in tapping opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single market across Africa and boost intra-African trade.
“I am encouraged that Ford is keen to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and to be part of the growth of Kenya’s automotive industry,” he said.
The government is also banking on proposed legislation, including the Automotive Bill, to provide regulatory certainty and attract fresh investment into the sector.
Mr Kinyanjui said the government would continue supporting policies and legislative frameworks designed to encourage investors and accelerate the growth of automotive manufacturing in the country.
If successful, Kenya's automotive transformation agenda could help expand industrial output, create skilled jobs and strengthen the country's position as a manufacturing and export hub for the East African region.