President William Ruto, on Wednesday, June 7, commissioned the Isuzu East Africa Electro Deposition (ED) paint plant - the first in the East African Community (EAC).
The plant, which cost approximately Ksh500 million, will utilise electric current to ensure that paint reaches all surfaces of a vehicle for ultra-smooth finishes.
In his address, Ruto underlined that the automotive company was set to increase its capacity to produce locally assembled cars in Kenya.
The commissioning of the plant was also in line with the government's commitment to empowering manufacturing companies.
"I want to commit that the momentum for the enhanced participation of the government in the manufacturing sector is a commitment that I have to make. We will accelerate the momentum.
"Our incentive package for the manufacturing sector is aimed at increasing the industry's contribution to the national GDP to 20 per cent by 2030," Ruto stated.
According to Isuzu EA Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, the company will move its production from 11,000 to 18,000 units per year with the plant launch.
She added that the facility would also be used to paint motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles (Tuk Tuk).
"In the last 4 years, Isuzu has invested Ksh3 billion in facility upgrades consisting of a Dynamic Test Center, Water Leak Test Booth, a new pickup assembly line and the ED plant launched today.
"These investments are geared to prepare Isuzu to play a significant role in the African Continental Free Trade Area," she stated.
Kavashe appealed to the President to support the automotive industry by paying pending bills and implementing the 40 per cent rule on the purchase of local products.
Consequently, Ruto assured that his administration would fast-track payment of pending bills and coordination between government agencies and automotive companies in leasing vehicles.
"We will expand the vehicle leasing programme to include more areas including the military, NYS and other ministries. As we buy new vehicles, they should be locally manufactured vehicles employing Kenyans," the Head of State remarked.
On his part, Isuzu's Board chairman, Hiroshi Hisatomi, indicated that the ED plant would help them meet the increasing demand for vehicles in the region.
"Our increased assembly capacity from the ED Paint Plant will help us meet the transportation demand from regional markets and support Kenya’s aspirations of becoming a significant player in the African Continental Free Trade Area," the chair added.
