NAIROBI, Kenya – Volkswagen (VW), the world’s largest carmaker by production volume, is set to expand its footprint in Kenya, aiming to bolster its presence across Eastern Africa.
The German automotive giant announced plans to scale up operations at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), its local partner, by introducing five additional passenger vehicle models in response to growing market demand.
This collaboration, facilitated through VW South Africa, underscores Kenya’s potential to become a regional automotive hub.
Martina Biene, VW South Africa’s CEO, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to developing Kenya’s automotive industry.
“The East African Community has immense potential,” Biene said. “We are positioning Kenya as the hub for our East Africa operations, progressively expanding our portfolio from internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric vehicles.”
In addition to manufacturing, VW plans to invest in recycling, vocational training, and localizing production to promote sustainability.
“We aim to create green jobs and grow sustainable supply chain enterprises in the region,” Biene added.
The announcement follows a meeting between VW executives and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Nairobi.
Mudavadi welcomed VW’s increased investment, highlighting its significance in Kenya’s industrialization agenda.
“Kenya is open for business,” Mudavadi said, reiterating the government’s focus on fostering industrial growth through partnerships with global automakers.
Volkswagen first ventured into Kenya in the 1960s, assembling its iconic Beetle.
This renewed commitment represents a broader vision to tap into the growing demand for vehicles in Eastern Africa, leveraging Kenya’s strategic position and resources to drive regional growth.
The German automotive giant announced plans to scale up operations at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), its local partner, by introducing five additional passenger vehicle models in response to growing market demand.
This collaboration, facilitated through VW South Africa, underscores Kenya’s potential to become a regional automotive hub.
Martina Biene, VW South Africa’s CEO, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to developing Kenya’s automotive industry.
“The East African Community has immense potential,” Biene said. “We are positioning Kenya as the hub for our East Africa operations, progressively expanding our portfolio from internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric vehicles.”
In addition to manufacturing, VW plans to invest in recycling, vocational training, and localizing production to promote sustainability.
“We aim to create green jobs and grow sustainable supply chain enterprises in the region,” Biene added.
The announcement follows a meeting between VW executives and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Nairobi.
Mudavadi welcomed VW’s increased investment, highlighting its significance in Kenya’s industrialization agenda.
“Kenya is open for business,” Mudavadi said, reiterating the government’s focus on fostering industrial growth through partnerships with global automakers.
Volkswagen first ventured into Kenya in the 1960s, assembling its iconic Beetle.
This renewed commitment represents a broader vision to tap into the growing demand for vehicles in Eastern Africa, leveraging Kenya’s strategic position and resources to drive regional growth.
