Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association of Kenya-APMA

13/05/2026

🚗 Only 3 Weeks to Go to the 27th AUTOEXPO AFRICA! 🌍

The countdown is on, and APMA is proud to participate for the second consecutive year.

Join us from 3rd–5th June 2026 at the Carnivore Grounds to c***ect with local automotive parts manufacturers, regional industry leaders, and international exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations shaping the future of mobility and the automotive aftermarket.

Don’t miss the opportunity to network and explore new business opportunities.

📍 Carnivore Exhibition Grounds, Nairobi

📅 3rd–5th June 2026

AUTOEXPO AFRICA

23/04/2026

Today, APMA Board Members Nephat Njeng'wa and Pavit Kenth, alongside the Secretariat led by Alexander Alulu participated in a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Hon Ps Dr Juma Mukhwana PhD, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry.

The meeting focused on the implementation roadmap for the EAC Assembling and Manufacturing of Products Regulations, 2025, which are set to take effect on 1st July 2026. These regulations will supersede Legal Notice No. 84 (Tax Procedures – Unassembled Motor Vehicles and Trailers Regulations, 2019) and Legal Notice No. 112 (Unassembled Motorcycle Regulations, 2020).

While the harmonization agenda across the EAC is a positive step, industry stakeholders raised critical concerns regarding the misalignment in transition timelines, particularly the one-year Phase I and two-year Phase II local content requirements for motorcycles. Kenya has been implementing localization since 2020, positioning its motorcycle value chain significantly ahead of other Partner States. As currently structured, the transition framework risks disrupting these gains.

Accordingly, the industry formally proposed a stay of application on the implementation of Part B of Schedule 1 of the Regulations, to allow for a more calibrated and equitable transition.

The meeting also addressed key sector enablers, including;

✔️ Legal drafting of the Automotive Bill to take place from 27th April to 1st May 2026
✔️ Signing of the KES 13B Samurai Bond between Kenya and Japan to support the automotive sector
✔️ Indian EXIM Credit Line under the Kenya Development Corporation to finance the acquisition of machinery.
✔️ Local content compliance and incentive frameworks for bus, truck, and trailer manufacturers.
✔️ Kenya Accession to UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.

APMA remains committed to constructive engagement with government and regional stakeholders to ensure policy frameworks support sustainable industrial growth, competitiveness, and investment in Kenya’s automotive sector.

Ash*t Shah

07/04/2026

The latest issue of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association of Kenya (APMA) Newsletter is out, and it captures a sector that is not just adapting, but actively shaping Kenya’s industrial future.

Key highlights include;

✔️ Message from the chairman

✔️ Key priority areas for 2026

✔️ Highlight of APMA Members (Pinnacle Systems Ltd, Digital Bass Auto Accessories Investments Ltd, and Tet Otomotif Parts Industries Ltd.)

28/03/2026

Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association of Kenya-APMA is pleased to continue its partnership with AUTOEXPO AFRICA for a second consecutive year.

The 27th edition of AUTOEXPO AFRICA, set to take place from June 3–5, 2026 at KICC, remains one of the region’s premier trade exhibitions for the automotive, spare parts, and accessories industry.

The event brings together global manufacturers, distributors, and industry stakeholders, providing a dynamic platform for business networking, market expansion, and technology showcase.

Through this partnership, APMA and its members will benefit from enhanced visibility, strategic engagement opportunities, and direct access to both regional and international players across the automotive value chain.

We look forward to strengthening industry linkages and showcasing the growing capabilities of Kenya’s local automotive sector.

12/03/2026

APMA Chairman, Ash*t Shah, attended a meeting chaired by Hon Ps Dr Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Industry, to discuss the way forward on the KS 1515 Standard governing the importation of used passenger vehicles.

The consultative meeting brought together key automotive industry stakeholders to deliberate on the KS 1515 draft, with particular focus on the proposed vehicle age limits and Euro emission standards for passenger vehicles.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Monday, 16th March, to allow for further deliberations and stakeholder input as discussions continue towards achieving a balanced and forward-looking regulatory framework for Kenya’s automotive sector.

26/02/2026

APMA Chairman, Ash*t Shah, attended the Kenya–Japan Industrial Policy Dialogue hosted by Hon Ps Dr Juma Mukhwana Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry. The dialogue, co-chaired with officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), focused on strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation and advancing Kenya’s automotive sector as a key pillar of the country’s industrial transformation agenda.

APMA welcomes such high-level engagements, which create meaningful opportunities for technology transfer, investment partnerships, skills development, and deeper localization of automotive components manufacturing. As the voice of Kenya’s parts manufacturers, we remain committed to supporting policies and partnerships that enhance competitiveness, build regional value chains, and position Kenya as a manufacturing hub in Africa.

16/02/2026

APMA participated in a stakeholder engagement forum convened by The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry-MITI State Department for Industry, bringing together leaders from both government and the private sector across the automotive value chain.

Discussions focused on advancing localization of automotive components and reviewing progress on key policy and regulatory frameworks shaping the industry, including the Automotive Bill, KS 1515 Standards, and the implementation of the EAC Assembly Regulations.

Structured dialogue between government and industry remains essential in driving Kenya’s industrialization agenda, strengthening the local automotive supply chain, and restoring investor confidence in the sector.

16/02/2026

For decades, Kenyan parts manufacturers have quietly built deep expertise in producing core automotive components. With the launch of Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy, these capabilities can now be fully leveraged in the transition to electric vehicles — from seats and suspension parts to wiring and body panels that EV assemblers urgently need. This isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about growing local industry, creating jobs, and building an e-mobility value chain that’s Kenyan-designed and Kenyan-made. 🇰🇪⚡

Read more about how local manufacturers can seize this opportunity:

For decades, Kenya’s automotive parts manufacturers have quietly powered the country’s mobility sector. From leaf springs carrying heavy loads to seats, wiring harnesses, filters, lead acid batteries, radiators, radio systems, body panels, and fasteners fitted into locally assembled vehicles, Ke...

11/02/2026

Industries should leverage the power of 5G in their manufacturing processes and unlock a world of opportunities.

As we stand on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by automation, data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the automotive industry is poised for a transformative leap forward. Central to this evolution is the integration of 5G technology, which promises superfast network c***e...

03/02/2026

Kenya has taken a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable transport with the official launch of green number plates for all electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative was unveiled today by the Ministry of Transport State Department for Transport Kenya during the launch of the National E-Mobility Policy Framework, where Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir announced that all EVs will now be registered with green reflective number plates.

The green plates serve as a visible and powerful signal of Kenya’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

According to Kenya Investment Authority the global EV market is on a steep growth trajectory and is projected to account for over 80% of all new vehicle sales by 2050. Closer to home, the EV market across major African economies is expected to grow by approximately 27% over the next 15 years.

The KenInvest report further states that Kenya is uniquely positioned to emerge as a regional e-mobility hub, supported by:
✔️ Growing domestic demand for EVs
✔️ Supportive economic indicators
✔️ Abundant and reliable renewable energy
✔️ Access to a wide regional market
✔️ A vibrant and fast-growing EV ecosystem

Crucially, rising EV demand in Kenya creates a strong case for increased local assembly and production. This presents a major opportunity for local parts manufacturers, who already supply high-quality components to existing assemblers. As EV assembly scales up, these manufacturers are well placed to seamlessly integrate into the EV value chain, driving local value addition, strengthening industrial capacity, and creating new jobs while supporting Kenya’s green transition.

22/01/2026

As we begin 2026, we reflect on several key milestones achieved over the past year, including:
✔️ Advancement of the Automotive Bill to the public participation stage.
✔️ Progress to the final stages of the new KS 1515 Standards on Road Vehicles—Inspection and Testing.
✔️ Gazettement of amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Trailer Regulations.
✔️ Gazettement of the East African Community (EAC) Assembly Regulations.
✔️ Signing of a Samurai Bond agreement between the Government of Kenya and the Government of Japan to support the automotive sector.

These and other developments are highlighted in our end-of-year newsletter. Please access the full update using the link below.