Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) partnered with electric mobility firm BasiGo to assemble King Long electric buses at its Thika facility. This collaboration accelerates Kenya’s transition to sustainable transport and strengthens local automotive manufacturing.
The buses, branded under BasiGo, target Kenya’s evolving public transport sector. KVM brings decades of vehicle assembly expertise, while BasiGo contributes cutting-edge innovations in electric mobility. Together, they aim to create jobs, build technical skills, and add value to Kenya’s automotive ecosystem.
CFAO Mobility Kenya Expands KVM’s Capacity
CFAO Mobility Kenya acquired a 99% stake in KVM through a KES 2.3 billion investment. Since then, the company has upgraded the Thika facility by removing 35,000 square meters of asbestos roofing, enhancing safety infrastructure, and implementing a robust Environment, Health & Safety framework.
“Our investment at KVM goes beyond vehicles. We’re investing in people, deploying global technology, and driving economic development,” said Joshua Anya, Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Mobility Kenya.
KVM plans to expand its operations by introducing dedicated assembly lines for commercial and passenger vehicles. The company will also construct a 15,000-square-meter logistics warehouse and a world-class training facility to develop a skilled local workforce.
Kenya Positions Itself as a Regional Automotive Hub
By assembling King Long electric buses locally, KVM and BasiGo aim to position Kenya as a regional leader in automotive production. The initiative supports national industrialisation goals and promotes low-emission transport solutions.
“Local assembly boosts our plant’s capacity and reinforces Kenya’s role in sustainable mobility,” Anya added.
The buses will feature modern design and advanced technology to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency for commuters. The rollout will also create employment across the supply chain and help reduce urban transport emissions.
BasiGo Delivers Affordable Electric Mobility
BasiGo Managing Director Moses Nderitu praised the partnership’s impact:
“This collaboration enables us to deliver world-class electric buses at affordable prices to Kenyan operators while driving long-term economic benefits.”
KVM Strengthens Its Role in Kenya’s Automotive Industry
KVM currently hosts more than 13 global automotive brands and employs over 200 staff. The facility continues to support livelihoods and build technical expertise, reinforcing its role as a key player in Kenya’s automotive sector.
