BEIJING, China- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula says Kenya must secure technology transfer and skills development as it deepens industrial cooperation with China.
Wetang’ula made the remarks after visiting the Modern Industrial Exhibition and Exchange Centre in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, where he observed how technology is being applied in infrastructure and industrial operations.
He said automation and artificial intelligence would be important to Kenya’s industrialisation plans, alongside training local workers to operate and maintain new systems.
The challenge, he said, is to turn engagement with China into practical innovations that meet Kenya’s needs and create jobs.
The visit follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Kenyan Government and Endelevu Enterprise Corporation for a proposed investment in electric vehicle manufacturing and related infrastructure.
The proposed Sh389 billion project includes plans for vehicle assembly, charging facilities and services across the electric mobility value chain.
The proposal includes an assembly plant with an annual capacity of 50,000 four-wheel vehicles, a second facility for 100,000 two-wheel and other light-mobility vehicles, and 1,000 solar-powered charging hubs.
It also includes a digital platform to support the electric vehicle network.
Assembly alone would not guarantee a lasting industrial base.
The economic gains would depend on local firms supplying components and services, and Kenyan workers gaining the skills to design, operate and repair the systems.
That is where training and technology transfer would make the partnership more valuable.
Wetang’ula linked the visit to Kenya’s long-term development ambitions under Vision 2060.
The government is developing the framework as a blueprint for the country’s next decades, with industrialisation and technology expected to feature in planning beyond Vision 2030.
Binhai New Area is home to industrial, high-tech and advanced manufacturing activity, including vehicle production, new energy and information technology.
Its industrial exhibition centre showcases technologies developed by companies in the area and serves as a venue for technology exchange and commercial engagement.
Wetang’ula said Kenya’s partnership with China should help the country adopt useful innovations while building domestic skills.
The EV agreement offers one test of that approach: whether the proposed investment will go beyond assembling vehicles to develop local expertise and supporting industries.
