NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – Kenya and Germany have renewed their cooperation to strengthen the local automotive sector, with a focus on skills development, modern assembly technologies, and green mobility solutions.
Germany’s Deputy Ambassador and Trade Counsellor, Alexander Fierley, speaking during a visit to the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) plant in Thika, said the partnership will boost local assembly and foster stronger bilateral ties.
“Germany recognizes the critical role that the automotive industry plays in driving economic development,” he said.
“Our renewed cooperation with Kenya seeks to build stronger linkages between our industries, foster innovation and technology transfer, while supporting the country’s ambitions in local manufacturing and regional competitiveness.”
The renewed partnership comes as KVM resumes local assembly of Volkswagen models — including the Touareg, Tiguan, and T-Cross — under a Level 2 Completely Knock-Down (CKD) arrangement.
According to KVM, the developments underscore a focus on localization, job creation, and technology transfer in Kenya’s automotive industry.
The partners say the initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of modern automotive technologies while creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises through local content integration.
KVM is currently one of Kenya’s largest multi-brand assemblers, handling brands such as Mercedes Trucks and Buses, Sinotruk, Tata, Hyundai, JMC, Caetano-Renault, Foton, UD Trucks, and electric mobility partner BasiGo.
The renewed cooperation between Nairobi and Berlin is also expected to unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen technology transfer, and promote green mobility solutions, further embedding the automotive sector as a key pillar in Kenya’s industrial growth agenda.
