Since independence in 1963, Kenya’s presidents have used vehicles that serve as more than just transportation; they are symbols of state authority, prestige, and modernity.
Throughout this tradition, the Mercedes-Benz has remained central, adapting and evolving with each administration.
In this piece, we take a look at how Kenyan presidents, from the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to President William Ruto, have cruised in one of the world’s oldest and most iconic automobiles, the Mercedes‑Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence and presidential prestige.
Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president, set the precedent by using the Mercedes‑Benz 600 Pullman limousine, a car that was synonymous with luxury and authority worldwide.
This stretched limousine, known as the “Grosser Mercedes”, offered a combination of imposing presence, plush comfort, and key features designed for heads of state.
Kenyatta’s use of the Pullman projected Kenya’s new status on the global stage and established Mercedes‑Benz as the hallmark of presidential transport the country and region.
These early Mercedes models in the presidential motorcade were often used in ceremonial parades and during visits by foreign dignitaries.
Exits Kenyatta, comes in President Daniel Arap Moi. Moi took office in 1978, and preferred vehicles that combined executive luxury with practical security. His choice of the Mercedes‑Benz 560 SEL, part of the W126 S-Class line, reflected the growing importance of presidential protection during his tenure.
Custom-built in Germany for the State House, Moi’s 560 SEL was fully bulletproof and designed for VIP transport. It was smaller and more maneuverable than Kenyatta’s 600 Pullman, making it ideal for daily executive use and politically charged environments.
Between 1991 and 1995, the car carried him through some of the most consequential years of his presidency. That car was recently on display ahead of the 62 Jamhuri celebrations. Polished to a ceremonial shine during special events, the 560 SEL today is preserved as a national treasure.
When Mwai Kibaki became president in 2002, he ushered in a new era of sleek, modern sedans. His choice of the Mercedes-Benz S600 highlighted advanced comfort and safety.
Kibaki’s fleet marked a departure from the heavy, ceremonial cars of the past. The new S-Class offered advanced handling, plush interiors, and modern technology.
Uhuru Kenyatta, who took office in 2013, retained the Mercedes-Benz legacy but added advanced security features. His fleet included the armoured S600 Pullman Guard, capable of withstanding ballistic threats while providing unmatched luxury for state occasions.
Uhuru’s motorcade also incorporated SUVs for security, but the Pullman remained the centrepiece, signalling prestige at official events.
William Ruto, Kenya’s current president, has inherited some of these vehicles while also adding new options to the presidential fleet. He is known to use the armoured Lexus LX600, popularly referred to as the presidential 'hustler machine,' as well as Toyota Land Cruisers for rugged terrains and enhanced security.
However, Ruto caught the attention of many Kenyans during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations in December 2025, when he was chauffeured in a new Mercedes‑Benz S560 sedan. The S560 is renowned for its combination of performance, comfort and advanced safety features.
The car is powered by a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. It can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of approximately 260 kph.
Fuel efficiency averages 8.87kpl combined, while prices in Kenya range from Ksh25 million to Ksh30 million, depending on specifications and import duties.
