The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Kenya has taken a significant step in its industrial development journey with the launch of the local assembly of the Toyota Hiace matatu at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) facility in Thika.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui announced the milestone, noting that the initiative marks a major shift in Kenya’s automotive sector, which has for decades relied on imports of the iconic Toyota Hiace.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
For many Kenyans, the Hiace transformed public transport in the 1990s, replacing the older “face me” matatus and introducing improved comfort, reliability, and efficiency in mobility across the country.
According to the ministry, the local assembly project is not just about vehicle production but about broader economic transformation—aimed at creating jobs, strengthening local industries, and expanding technical skills among Kenyan workers.
The Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) plant in Thika has already created more than 200 jobs, with expectations that the number will rise as production scales up. The government says further expansion will open additional employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The initiative is also expected to stimulate growth in the wider automotive value chain by increasing demand for locally manufactured components, thereby creating new opportunities for suppliers, manufacturers, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The government has reiterated its commitment to positioning Kenya as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub in Africa, as part of its broader strategy to drive industrial growth and sustainable job creation.
