The announcement, which has made at State House, Nairobi, will see the Peugeot plant employ close to 250 people. President Kenyatta says the Government will continue to enforce the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya policy.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 4 – French car manufacturer Peugeot has returned to Kenya and it is set to assemble 5 of its models beginning June this year.
The PSA Group – manufacturers of Peugeot cars – announced the assembly plans at Nairobi though the location of the plant is yet to be named.
Jean-Christophe Quemard, PSA Group Executive Vice President, said Peugeot is partnering with Urysia Group to assemble cars after a 40-year break in Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has lauded the move, saying it will not only create employment to Kenyans but will also enhance investors confidence in the country.
“Progress in industry is vital to Kenya’s prospects. Kenya has many young people who are educated, diligent, innovative, and it is up to us to ensure that we find them jobs that will enable them make an honorable living,” said the President at State House.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement between the Government and the officials from France, the President has assured the company of a conducive business environment.
French Minister of the Economy and Finance Michel Sapin said this investment is a statement of faith in the economy and development of Kenya.
“The five models (by Peugeot) are the most advanced in its portfolio and I am certain that this will match the aspirations and needs of Kenyans to have high quality of cars,” added Sapin.
This comes a few months after Volkswagen resumed production of cars in Thika, Kenya after a four-decade pause in production by the German carmaker in Kenya.
President Uhuru reiterated that the Government will continue to enforce the Buy Kenya Build Kenya policy to support companies that produce in Kenya.
