Chinese Automakers Drive Kenya’s Electric Vehicle Revolution
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Kenya’s automotive landscape is shifting rapidly as Chinese car manufacturers make bold moves into the Kenyan market — not just as sellers of imported vehicles, but as partners in local assembly, job creation, and clean mobility.
🇨🇳 Dongfeng Enters Kenya With Local EV Support
In a major development for Kenya’s electric mobility sector, Chinese automaker Dongfeng has partnered with Kenyan firm ePureMotion to introduce its electric vehicle (EV) models to the local market. This move represents Dongfeng’s first official foray into Kenya’s EV segment through a network that includes locally supported retail and service operations. This means Kenyan consumers will soon see Dongfeng EVs on the road backed by after-sales support and infrastructure, addressing a key concern for many buyers considering electric vehicles.
Local Assembly: More Than Just Importing Cars
Kenya is no longer just a destination for fully built imports — it’s becoming a hub for EV assembly and production:
- EV Assembly Plant in Athi RiverChinese electric vehicle maker MojaEV has announced plans to build a large EV assembly and manufacturing plant in Athi River, with construction expected to start in early 2026. The facility is projected to create up to 3,500 direct jobs and serve as a regional export hub for East and Southern Africa.
- Chery & Afrigreen Partnership in NairobiIn a deal worth about $20 million (Sh2.6 billion), Chinese automaker Chery partnered with Afrigreen Automobile to build an EV assembly plant in Nairobi. This facility will produce thousands of electric SUVs annually and is expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs, boosting Kenya’s industrial capacity.
Chinese Brands Boost Kenya’s Automotive Options
Beyond Dongfeng, several Chinese automotive brands are expanding in Kenya:BYD — The globally known Chinese EV maker has started selling models like the Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin through local partners, contributing to Kenya’s transition to sustainable transport. Jetour
— A brand under the Chery Group, Jetour has launched four new SUVs in Kenya and announced a KES 1.4 billion investment for local assembly in Mombasa, aiming to start operations in early 2026. These moves reflect a broader trend of Chinese automakers adapting their products and services to Kenyan needs, including local assembly, service networks, and pricing strategies crafted for the market.
📈 Kenya’s EV Growth Story
Kenya’s vehicle assembly sector is on the rise, with electric and hybrid projects playing a major role. In the first half of 2025, local vehicle assembly grew by 16.4%, supported by government incentives and expanded EV assembly operations. This expansion is supported by policy measures such as import duty reductions on EV parts anEconomic growth:Investments from Dongfeng, Chery, MojaEV, and Jetour bring capital, create jobs, and strengthen Kenya’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.Technology transfer:Local assembly plants offer skills development for Kenyan engineers and technicians — a step toward building long-term industrial capacity.Sustainable transport:EVs from Chinese brands contribute to Kenya’s clean mobility goals, helping reduce emissions and fuel dependence.
🌍 What This Means for Kenya
Economic growth:Investments from Dongfeng, Chery, MojaEV, and Jetour bring capital, create jobs, and strengthen Kenya’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
Technology transfer:Local assembly plants offer skills development for Kenyan engineers and technicians — a step toward building long-term industrial capacity.
Sustainable transport:EVs from Chinese brands contribute to Kenya’s clean mobility goals, helping reduce emissions and fuel dependence.
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
While these developments are promising, challenges remain:Charging Infrastructure: Expansion beyond major cities is needed to support nationwide EV adoption.Affordability: Even with incentives, upfront costs can be high for many buyers.After-Sales Support: Ensuring reliable maintenance and spare parts availability is crucial for consumer confidence.
Final Thoughts
China’s automotive industry is playing a transformative role in Kenya’s EV future — from Dongfeng’s market entry to major local assembly projects. As these partnerships take shape, Kenya is poised to become a regional leader in electric mobility, blending global innovation with local industry growth.
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