Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Partners With BasiGo to Assemble King Long Buses Locally

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) has entered into a strategic partnership with electric mobility firm BasiGo to assemble King Long buses at its Thika plant.

The deal highlights KVM’s role in boosting local automotive manufacturing while supporting Kenya’s shift to sustainable transport.

The partnership will see the rollout of modern King Long buses under the BasiGo brand, tailored to the needs of Kenya’s public transport sector.

KVM will bring its long-standing expertise in vehicle assembly, while BasiGo contributes its innovation in electric mobility.

Together, the two companies aim to create jobs, transfer skills, and add value to the local auto industry.

CFAO Mobility Kenya Deputy Managing Director Joshua Anya said the milestone builds on last year’s acquisition of a 99% stake in KVM.

“Our investment at KVM is not just about vehicles. It is about investing in people, bringing in global technology, and driving economic development that positively impacts the automotive sector,” he said.

He noted that as part of upgrading the facility to global standards, KVM has removed over 35,000 square meters of asbestos roofing, enhanced plant safety, and introduced a comprehensive Environment, Health & Safety framework.

The company also has plans to expand assembly capacity by setting up new commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle lines, building a 15,000-square-meter logistics warehouse, and establishing a training school for local technicians.

“This partnership with KVM marks a new chapter for public transport in Kenya. By assembling King Long buses locally, we are boosting our plant’s capacity while strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional hub for vehicle assembly,” Anya added.

BasiGo Managing Director Moses Nderitu said the collaboration will allow the company to deliver world-class electric buses at affordable costs.

“By assembling King Long buses locally, we will create lasting impact for the economy and provide Kenyan operators with sustainable, high-quality electric buses. This shows the power of partnership in driving innovation and sustainability,” he said.

KVM, now majority-owned by CFAO Mobility Kenya after a KSh 2.3 billion investment, employs more than 200 staff and hosts over 13 global brands.

The King Long buses will feature modern technology to guarantee safety, comfort, and efficiency for commuters, while creating jobs across the value chain and helping cut emissions in urban transport.