A fresh chapter has opened in Kenya’s automotive sector after Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) joined hands with electric mobility company BasiGo to assemble King Long buses locally.

The project, set at KVM’s Thika facility, is designed to boost homegrown manufacturing while accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable public transport.

The buses, which will carry the BasiGo brand, are expected to serve Kenya’s busy commuter routes.

KVM brings decades of experience in assembly, while BasiGo contributes its specialisation in electric vehicles.

Together, the two firms say the venture will create jobs, sharpen technical know-how, and ensure that more value is retained within the country.

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CFAO Mobility Kenya, the parent company that last year secured a 99 per cent stake in KVM for Sh2.3 billion, has already been reshaping the Thika factory.

Deputy Managing Director Joshua Anya said the focus of their investment has gone far beyond producing vehicles.

“Our investment at KVM is not just about vehicles, it is about investing in our people, providing global technology and driving economic development which delivers positive impact in the automotive sector,” Anya said.

He went on to highlight the work already completed at the site.

Hazardous asbestos roofing, he explained, has been removed, safety upgrades rolled out, and a new Environment, Health & Safety framework put in place to protect workers and surrounding communities.

"As part of our phased refurbishment of the facility, to upgrade it to global standards, we removed over 35,000 square meters of asbestos roofing, upgraded the assembly plant’s safety infrastructure, and put in place a comprehensive Environment, Health & Safety framework to safeguard our workforce and surrounding communities," he said.

"These changes reflect our commitment to creating a safe and sustainable workplace."

CFAO Mobility also plans to widen KVM’s capabilities by introducing separate lines for commercial and passenger vehicles, establishing a 15,000-square-metre logistics warehouse, and setting up a training centre to nurture a pipeline of skilled Kenyan technicians.

For Anya, the tie-up with BasiGo represents more than just another assembly deal.

“This partnership with KVM marks a new chapter for public transport in Kenya as it aligns with Kenya’s industrialisation agenda that focuses on supporting local manufacturing, and the need for sustainable mobility solutions," he said.

"By assembling King Long buses locally, we are not only boosting the capacity of our plant but also enhancing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for automotive production."

BasiGo’s Managing Director, Moses Nderitu, echoed that sentiment, pointing to both the affordability of the buses and their long-term economic impact.

“This partnership with KVM marks a new chapter in our continued collaboration with KVM,” Nderitu stated.

"By assembling King Long buses locally, we will deliver world-class electric buses at an affordable cost to Kenyan operators while creating lasting impact for the local economy. It demonstrates the power of partnership in driving innovation and sustainability."

Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the partnership, emphasising that the leasing structure pioneered by BasiGo will make it easier for transporters to adopt cleaner vehicles.

“BasiGo’s innovative leasing model is a game-changer for transporters, making the shift to electric buses more accessible and affordable,” he said.

He added that the government views the shift to electric mobility as critical to cutting reliance on imported fuels.

“The transition to electric public transport will also cut down on the high fuel consumption that accounts for the largest share of our imports, strengthening both our economy and our energy security,” Kinyanjui said.

KVM today employs more than 200 staff and works with over 13 international vehicle brands.

With the addition of electric King Long buses, the company is positioning itself not only as a key player in Kenya’s industrialisation but also as a contributor to cleaner, safer and more efficient transport across the region.