By East Africa Journal Reporter
Kenya’s automotive sector took centre stage on Wednesday as the 27th Autoexpo Kenya 2026 opened in Nairobi, bringing together manufacturers, investors, distributors and mobility innovators from more than 30 countries.
The three-day exhibition which runs from Wednesday 3rd June to Friday 5th June 2026, being held at the Carnivore Exhibition Grounds, has attracted global players in automotive technology, spare parts, garage equipment, batteries, lubricants, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and electric mobility solutions.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Secretary Administration in the State Department for Industry, Samuel Karanja Njora, said the government is committed to supporting initiatives that promote local manufacturing and strengthen Kenya’s automotive industry.
“We come here as a government to show support to stakeholders involved in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector, where the government has a lot of focus because we want to encourage local manufacturing of motor vehicles and motorcycles,” he said.
Njora noted that the expo had attracted manufacturers, investors and distributors from across Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for partnerships, technology transfer and investment.
He also encouraged local innovators, startups and small-scale manufacturers to attend the exhibition and draw inspiration from the technologies and products on display.
The government official revealed that a Local Content Bill is nearing completion and will require a portion of components used in vehicle and motorcycle production to be sourced locally.
According to Njora, at least 14 motorcycle components are already being manufactured in Kenya, demonstrating the country’s growing industrial capacity.
He further announced that the government intends to prioritize procurement of vehicles assembled locally, a move aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and creating jobs.
“In the area of motor vehicles, the government will soon stop buying vehicles that are imported from outside. We will only buy those that are assembled in Kenya,” he said.
Alongside the main exhibition, the newly introduced EV Expo Kenya 2026 is highlighting the rapid growth of electric mobility in the country. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, charging systems, batteries and energy storage solutions have emerged as key attractions, reflecting Kenya’s push towards cleaner and more sustainable transport systems.
Kenya’s electric mobility sector has expanded significantly in recent years following the launch of the National Electric Mobility Policy earlier this year.
The policy seeks to encourage adoption of electric vehicles while supporting investment in charging infrastructure, assembly and related industries.
Representing the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, board member Margaret Muchoki praised ongoing collaboration between industry players and the government to strengthen local manufacturing.
She said the association, which represents manufacturers of automotive components ranging from batteries and brake pads to filters and motorcycle accessories, views the expo as an important platform for attracting investment and fostering partnerships.
“We recognise the role international investors can play in skills transfer and in partnering with local companies,” she said.
Muchoki noted that government efforts to promote local sourcing are creating new opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers while helping grow the country’s automotive value chain.
She cited examples where local vehicle assemblers are being encouraged to source components such as batteries and other parts from Kenyan manufacturers, thereby supporting local businesses and increasing employment opportunities.
According to her, the proposed Automotive Bill, currently in its final stages, is expected to further strengthen local assembly and increase the use of locally produced components by vehicle manufacturers operating in Kenya.
Industry stakeholders say the exhibition presents a critical opportunity for Kenya to position itself not only as a market for imported vehicles but also as a regional hub for vehicle assembly, automotive parts production, electric mobility and related technologies.
Organised by Expogroup, Autoexpo Kenya 2026 runs until June 5 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the region.
