Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer MojaEV has announced plans to establish a local EV assembly and manufacturing plant in Athi River, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s fast-growing electric mobility landscape. The project, which is currently in its final stages of approvals and site preparation, is set to begin construction in early 2026. The development underscores Kenya’s strategic position as a regional leader in clean energy adoption and sustainable transportation.
According to Erick Lumallas, Assistant to the CEO at MojaEV, the Athi River facility will play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s transition to clean mobility while driving industrial growth and local job creation. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to create up to 3,500 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly through supply chains, logistics, and related services. Lumallas emphasized that MojaEV’s goal is to make locally assembled electric vehicles both affordable and accessible to Kenyan drivers, enabling a broader shift toward green and efficient transportation.
The new plant will primarily focus on producing electric taxis, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles aimed at serving urban transport and delivery markets. In addition to serving Kenya’s domestic demand, the facility will function as a regional distribution hub for several African markets, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, and Zambia. This move positions Kenya as a continental hub for e-mobility innovation and regional trade in clean energy technologies.
Kenya’s electric mobility ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years. Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reveals that registered EVs have increased from 3,753 in 2023 to 6,442 by mid-2025. Electricity consumption under the e-mobility tariff has also risen by nearly 300 percent—from 1.26 GWh to 5.04 GWh—signifying the country’s accelerating shift toward sustainable transportation. EPRA attributes this growth to government incentives, including tax breaks, VAT exemptions, and the rapid rollout of more than 300 charging stations nationwide.
With 85 percent of Kenya’s power already generated from renewable sources, the establishment of MojaEV’s Athi River plant will not only bolster the nation’s green economy but also reinforce its commitment to sustainable industrialization. The project represents a convergence of clean energy, innovation, and job creation—further solidifying Kenya’s status as a key player in Africa’s clean mobility revolution.
