By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
Kenya’s ambition to become East Africa’s leading automotive manufacturing and mobility hub received a significant boost with the official opening of the 27th Autoexpo Kenya 2026 in Nairobi, attracting manufacturers, investors, innovators, and industry stakeholders from more than 30 countries.
Organized by Expogroup, the exhibition has been running from June 3to June 5 and has generate new investments, strategic partnerships, and business opportunities that will contribute to the continued growth of Kenya’s automotive industry and the country’s broader industrialization agenda.
The three-day exhibition, taking place at the Carnivore Exhibition Grounds, has positioned Nairobi as a major center for automotive innovation, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in vehicle manufacturing, spare parts production, garage equipment, batteries, lubricants, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and electric mobility solutions.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Samuel Karanja Njora, Secretary Administration in the State Department for Industry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s automotive sector as a key driver of industrialization, job creation, and economic transformation.
“The automotive industry remains a strategic sector with immense potential to create employment, attract investment, and support Kenya’s industrial development agenda,” said Njora. “Autoexpo Kenya provides a valuable platform for local and international players to build partnerships, exchange ideas, and unlock new business opportunities.”
Njora encouraged local innovators, startups, and small-scale manufacturers to leverage the exhibition as an opportunity to learn from global technologies and explore emerging opportunities across the automotive value chain.
In a major boost for local manufacturing, he revealed that the proposed Local Content Bill is nearing completion and will require a substantial percentage of vehicle and motorcycle components to be sourced locally. He noted that at least 14 motorcycle components are already being manufactured in Kenya, highlighting the country’s growing industrial capabilities.
The government has also prioritize the procurement of vehicles assembled locally, a move aimed at supporting domestic industries, creating jobs, and stimulating investment in automotive assembly and component manufacturing.
A major highlight of this year’s exhibition is the inaugural EV Expo Kenya 2026, dedicated to advancing electric mobility solutions. The showcase features electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, charging infrastructure, batteries, and energy storage technologies, reflecting Kenya’s growing commitment to sustainable transportation and green industrialization.
The expansion of the electric mobility sector follows the implementation of the National Electric Mobility Policy, which seeks to encourage investment in electric vehicle assembly, charging networks, and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Representing the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, board member Margaret Muchoki praised the growing collaboration between government agencies and private sector players in strengthening Kenya’s automotive ecosystem.
She noted that the association represents manufacturers producing a wide range of automotive components, including batteries, brake pads, filters, and motorcycle accessories.
“Autoexpo Kenya provides a unique platform to attract international investors, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance skills development among local manufacturers,” said Muchoki.
She further emphasized the importance of increasing local sourcing by vehicle assemblers, noting that stronger linkages between assemblers and domestic component manufacturers will help create jobs, support local enterprises, and deepen industrial development.
Industry stakeholders expressed optimism that the proposed Automotive Bill, currently in its final stages, will further strengthen local assembly operations and accelerate the adoption of locally manufactured components across the sector.
As thousands of exhibitors, investors, and visitors converge in Nairobi, Autoexpo Kenya 2026 is demonstrating Kenya’s growing potential not only as a major automotive market but also as a regional hub for vehicle manufacturing, assembly, electric mobility, and technological innovation.
Organized by Expogroup, the exhibition runs from June 3 to June 5 and is expected to generate new investments, strategic partnerships, and business opportunities that will contribute to the continued growth of Kenya’s automotive industry and the country’s broader industrialization agenda
