Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has agreed to establish a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya, a deal that was signed by President William Ruto during his visit to Tokyo on Wednesday.
President Ruto emphasized that this initiative would strengthen Kenya’s industrial sector, enhance the relationship between Kenya and Japan, and create more opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to ensure that locally manufactured vehicles are affordable, ultimately discouraging the purchase of used cars.
“We must have a balance between the number of imported and newly manufactured vehicles,” stated President Ruto, underscoring the importance of supporting the local automotive industry.
The agreement was formalized in Tokyo, Japan, with President Ruto witnessing the signing in the presence of Ichiro Kashitani, the President of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan.
This move is expected to contribute to the growth of Kenya’s automotive sector and promote economic development in the country.
Toyota operates 67 manufacturing companies worldwide. It markets vehicles in more than 170+ countries and regions worldwide, thanks to the support of a 370,000 strong workforce.
