Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) has teamed up with BasiGo, a leader in electric mobility, to locally implant King Long electric buses at its Thika-based facility. This is a big step not only in Kenya automotive industry but also in the country journey to the green transport sector.
This partnership will result in the creation of cutting-edge, high-grade buses under the BasiGO brand that are suitable for the rapidly changing public transport system of the country.
This project will create jobs, transfer skills, and add value to Kenya automotive ecosystem by marrying KVM decades of assembly knowledge with BasiGo electric mobility innovations.
At the launch event, CFAO Mobility Kenya Deputy Managing Director, Joshua Anya, referred to the collaboration as a crucial measure towards sustainable mobility, not only to Kenya but also to the manufacturing industry of the country. “Our KVM investment goes beyond vehicles; its basically an investment in our people, supplying global technology, and being a vehicle for economic growth that positively impacts the auto sector,” said he.
Following a KSh 2.3 billion injection, KVM, which is mainly owned by CFAO Mobility Kenya, has been subject to major refurbishment to meet international standards.
The firm has pulled off major renovations, including the removal of over 35,000 square meters of asbestos roofing, upgrading of security, and the implementation of a comprehensive Environment, Health & Safety program to protect the workers and the community living around the company.
The company plans to increase its capacity mainly through the increase of the variety of vehicles that can be assembled in their plant, the introduction of new models for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, and the construction of a 15,000 square meter logistics warehouse, as well as a top-notch training school to qualify a new generation of local Kenyan experts.
Anya stated that the locally assembled King Long buses not only increase production capacity but also put Kenya way ahead as a regional hub for automotive manufacturing. “This collaboration helps to build up the local manufacturing capacity of the country allowing us to create more environmentally friendly technologies,” he further commented.
BasiGo Managing Director, Moses Nderitu, highlighted the positive impact on the economy and society facilitated by the collaboration.
He asserted that “locally assembling King Long buses will result in the delivery of world-class electric buses at a price lower than one could imagine.” The move also exhibits how partners can contribute to driving innovation and sustainability, he pointed out.
Having over 200 staff and hosting more than 13 global brands, KVM is slated to be one of the major players in the automotive future of Kenya as the locally assembled electric buses are positioned to become the clean, safe, and efficient means of urban commuting.