By C, KNA
The automotive giant, CFAO Mobility Kenya, has set its sights on Western Kenya’s transport and logistics market with the launch of the new Sinotruk H2 and H3 models at its Kisumu branch, signaling a bold push to tap into the region’s growing role as a trade and industrial hub.
The unveiling of the light- and medium-duty trucks now positions Kisumu, as the new frontier for vehicle sales and mobility solutions outside Nairobi, aligning with CFAO’s broader strategy to decentralize operations and strengthen regional presence.
“We are not just unveiling a truck today, but introducing a business partner that will enhance our customers’ return on investment.
Our goal is to deliver value by offering fit-for-purpose mobility solutions aligned with the region’s changing needs,” said Arvinder Singh, the Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya.
Singh said the launch of Sinotruk H2 and H3 underscores CFAO’s confidence in Western Kenya’s economic potential, describing Kisumu as a hub of opportunity shaped by improved infrastructure, cross-border trade and emerging industrial parks.
The new trucks, assembled locally through CFAO’s partnership with Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) are built for versatility, combining affordability, durability, and power to serve transporters, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) distributors, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking during the launch in Kisumu, the MD said the two trucks, going at Sh3.3 million and Sh3.8 million respectively, come with advanced features such as air suspension seats, sleeper cabins, and high horsepower engines, aimed at maximizing comfort and efficiency for long-distance and last-mile operations.
To stamp authority in the new market, CFAO, has also rolled out a special offer of one-year or 50,000 kilometres of free service for the first 200 customers, as part of its effort to attract fleet buyers and small transport operators seeking lower operating costs.
The launch of Sinotruk H2 and H3 trucks marks a turning point in CFAO Mobility’s push to anchor its brand in Kenya’s emerging logistics corridors, bridging local assembly, regional trade and affordable transport solutions.
Singh said CFAO Mobility formerly Toyota Kenya and DT Dobie, now operates 13 automotive brands and employs more than 750 Kenyans.
He added that the firm recently expanded into tyre franchises including Michelin, BF Goodrich and Prometeon, further diversifying its footprint in the automotive value chain.
Sinotruk manufacturer’s representative, Chou Man, said the brand has exported more than 70,000 trucks globally between January and June 2025, with Africa accounting for 30,000 of those units.
Kenya, he said, remains a key market for Sinotruk which is China’s largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer, adding that 2,060 units have been sold in the country through three local assembly plants over the last nine months.
“Sinotruk and CFAO Mobility have built a partnership that focuses on technology, efficiency and customer satisfaction. We are also introducing the Sinotruk Smart App to connect customers to service stations, spare parts, and vehicle information in real time,” he said.
CFAO’s General Manager for Equipment Division, Sarfraj Premji, said the new trucks offer cost-effective solutions for businesses under pressure from high logistics costs and narrow margins.
“Our focus is return on investment. The H2 and H3 trucks can pay for themselves within eight months of operation,” he said.
They are ideal for hardware suppliers, wholesalers, and fleet operators seeking reliable, affordable transport for last-mile delivery, he added.
Kisumu County Executive for Trade Faridah Salim hailed the investment as a show of confidence in Kisumu’s economy, saying the county was positioning itself as a gateway for trade within the Lake Region Economic Bloc.
“These new models embody efficiency and reliability, all essential for our region’s growth. CFAO’s decision to host this launch in Kisumu reflects confidence in the growth potential of our city and the western region,” she said.
Salim reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working with private sector investors to improve infrastructure and foster industrial growth, calling on entrepreneurs to leverage new technologies and transport innovations to drive regional prosperity.