Kenya’s automotive industry is enjoying its strongest performance in six years, driven by renewed business activity, lower borrowing costs, and currency stability that have boosted demand for new vehicles.
Fresh data from the Kenya Motor Industry Association (KMIA) shows that dealers sold 9,924 new vehicles in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 24.56 percent increase from 7,967 units recorded during the same period last year.
This performance nearly equals the 2019 levels, signaling that the sector has finally bounced back from a turbulent period marked by the pandemic, disrupted global supply chains, and a weakening shilling.
The recovery has been largely propelled by rising orders for commercial vehicles — a sign of renewed investment in transport, logistics, and construction.
Sales of trucks rose sharply by 43.19 percent to 3,992 units, while medium-sized buses (21–40 seats) increased by 26.90 percent to 887 units. Smaller passenger buses (9–20 seats) recorded the highest growth at 74.80 percent to 860 units.
Heavy-duty prime movers used for hauling trailers jumped by 56.72 percent to 525 units, while single cab pickups rose by 13.34 percent to 1,478 units.
Isuzu East Africa and CFAO Mobility Kenya continued to dominate the industry, jointly accounting for about 80 percent of all new vehicle sales. KMIA data shows Isuzu sold 4,670 units between January and September, a 27.04 percent increase from 3,676 units in the same period of 2024. The company’s product range includes buses, pick-ups, trucks, and SUVs, which have benefited from local assembly incentives.
CFAO Mobility Kenya, which brings together Toyota Kenya and DT Dobie following their merger in 2023, registered a 21.13 percent growth in deliveries to 3,268 units from 2,698 last year.
Simba Corporation, the distributor for Mitsubishi, Proton, Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland, sold 881 units — an increase of 10.13 percent — while Tata Africa Holdings posted 24.08 percent growth with 371 units sold compared to 299 previously.
The rebound reflects the growing strength of locally assembled vehicles, which continue to benefit from lower import duties than fully built imports.
Industry insiders note that the recent upturn follows years of suppressed demand caused by high interest rates, global shipping delays, and increased taxes on motor imports.
The report adds that the improved economic environment has restored business confidence, resulting in higher investment across key sectors that rely heavily on transport and logistics. With the market regaining momentum, analysts project sustained growth if lending rates remain low and economic stability is maintained.
