Kenya and Germany have reaffirmed their cooperation to support Kenya’s automotive industry. The renewed engagement focuses on three areas: building skills, adopting modern assembly technologies, and promoting green mobility solutions. The update came during a visit by Alexander Fierley, Germany’s Deputy Ambassador to Kenya and Trade Counsellor, to Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers in Thika.
Why it matters for Kenya’s auto ecosystem
Kenya’s assembly ecosystem relies on stable partnerships that bring investment, know-how, and predictable production runs. During the visit, the Deputy Ambassador recognised CFAO Mobility Kenya for taking a leading role through its investment in Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers. He underscored Germany’s interest in partnerships that encourage innovation and support economic growth.
“Germany recognizes the critical role that the automotive industry plays in driving economic development. Our renewed cooperation with Kenya seeks to build stronger linkages between our industries, foster innovation and technology transfer, while supporting the country’s economic ambitions in supporting local manufacturing and regional competitiveness. We see KVM as a strategic step in the right direction.”
KVM resumes Volkswagen assembly
Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers has resumed local assembly of Volkswagen models under a level 2 completely knocked down arrangement. The line-up includes the Toureg, Tiguan, and T Cross. Moving these models through local lines signals renewed focus on localisation, job creation, and technology transfer within Kenya’s automotive industry.
CFAO Mobility Kenya’s position
CFAO Mobility Kenya says its investment signals confidence in Kenya’s automotive future and a commitment to economic growth. The company points to job creation, skills transfer from global original equipment manufacturers, growth of local small and medium enterprises through local content, and more affordable vehicles for consumers as direct outcomes.
“We are proud to host the Deputy Ambassador of Germany and welcome the renewed partnership between these two countries. As CFAO mobility, our investment in KVM signals to our confidence in the Kenyan automotive industry and commitment to support our country’s economic growth. Through our investment at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), we are providing more job opportunities to Kenyans, offering innovation and skills transfer from global OEMs, supporting growth of SMEs through local content input, and availing even more affordable vehicles to the Kenyan consumer.”
CFAO Mobility Kenya frames the visit as a demonstration of the strong partnership between Kenya and Germany, and says it remains committed to boosting value addition and creating opportunities across the automotive value chain.
The assembly portfolio at a glance
KVM operates as a multi brand assembler with a portfolio that includes passenger, truck, bus, and electric models. According to the company, the current line-up in Kenya covers:
- Mercedes trucks and buses
- Volkswagen
- Sinotruk
- Tata
- Caetano and Renault
- Hyundai
- JMC trucks and pickups
- BasiGo electric bus
- Mobikey and MAN trucks and buses
- Foton
- GB Auto and Eicher
- King Long van
- IEA and UD Trucks
This breadth gives KVM room to scale local production while meeting diverse market needs, from public transport to logistics and personal mobility.
What to expect next
The collaboration between Kenya and Germany aims to unlock new opportunities for investment, innovation, and market development as KVM expands production capacity. With Volkswagen assembly back on the line and a broad brand roster already in place, stakeholders will be watching for more models moving to local assembly, deeper skills transfer, and continued progress on green mobility initiatives.
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