The Government is advancing plans to position Kenya as a regional hub for the manufacture and assembly of electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, driving sustainable urban mobility, industrialisation, job creation and local value addition.
The initiative brings together Government, industry and development partners to unlock Kenya’s existing manufacturing capacity and strengthen the country’s automotive value chain.
To advance the plan, State Department for Roads Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua, addressed a multi-stakeholder engagement forum in Nairobi to assess Kenya’s capacity and readiness for the manufacture and assembly of electric BRT buses.
Eng. Mbugua noted that the assessment follows 36 industrial visits conducted by a Technical Working Committee, which established significant local capacity in vehicle assembly, body building and the manufacture of key components, including steel, rubber and cables.
The PS said the Government will leverage the findings and stakeholder feedback to strengthen the investment environment, promote localization and support the development of sustainable public transport through a Whole-of-Government Approach.
He also highlighted Kenya’s ongoing efforts to align its vehicle regulations with global standards through the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), noting that this will enhance the country’s ability to participate in and benefit from global automotive value chains.
The Roads Mechanical and Transport Division (MTD) plays a vital role in this initiative through vehicle standardization and technical advice on mechanical and automotive engineering.
Also present was Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, DG NAMATA, Eng. Francis Gitau alongside development partners and stakeholders from the manufacturing sector.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
