President Uhuru Kenyatta,on Wednesday, urged local motor vehicle assemblers to innovate ways of producing quality vehicles that are affordable for Kenyans.
Addressing members of the Kenya Manufacturers Association (KAM) at StateHouse, the Head of State stated that the move would help discourage the buying of imported used vehicles which are currently selling at lower prices than those assembled locally.
“We have to think outside the box. I encourage you to come up with real solutions in the motor vehicle industry that will benefit Kenyans,” he stated.
The Head of State noted that the industry had once been a major employer in the country and major steps had to be taken to get the industry back on track.
"If well-harnessed, motor vehicle assembly has the potential to create thousands of jobs for our youth," he added.
He assured that the government was ready to work with the Vehicle Manufacturers Association to restore the local industry to its former glory.
“We all acknowledge that the importation of used vehicles has led to the slump of the vehicle manufacturing sector in the country,” President Kenyatta conveyed.
The Head of State, however, challenged the local vehicle assemblers to ensure production of high-quality vehicles as well as parts.
“As we work to improve the local manufacturing industry, we also have to insist that quality standards must be observed at all times,” Uhuru explained.
He assured the local manufacturers that the Government will give them preference when purchasing vehicles.
