Get ready for a game-changer in Kenya's automotive scene! The arrival of Chinese Dongfeng electric vehicles (EVs) is set to revolutionize the market, but there's a twist that might just spark some debate.
Dongfeng, a renowned Chinese automotive manufacturer, has teamed up with ePureMotion to make waves in Kenya's EV market. And they're not just dipping their toes; they're diving right in with two sleek passenger electric car models.
This partnership marks a significant milestone, as Dongfeng becomes the first Chinese automaker to venture into Kenya's EV segment with full local support for retail and service operations. The initial lineup includes the ePureCitie compact hatchback, available in Classic and Lux trims, offering impressive driving ranges of 330 km and 430 km, respectively. The Classic variant is priced at a competitive Sh4 million, while the Lux model, with its advanced driver assistance systems, retails at Sh4.5 million.
But here's where it gets controversial: these vehicles are currently imported as fully built units, targeting urban commuters, corporate fleets, and ride-hailing services. However, ePureMotion has a plan to change that. They've confirmed a collaboration with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) to begin local assembly of selected Dongfeng EV models in Kenya, taking advantage of tax incentives.
Assemblers of electric vehicles in Kenya enjoy a sweet deal: they're exempt from the hefty 35% import duty typically levied on fully-built units, and they pay a much lower excise duty of just 10%. This lower taxation is a game-changer, allowing assemblers to reduce costs and become more competitive in Kenya's new vehicle market.
According to ePureMotion, this move is all about supporting Kenya's industrialization agenda. By lowering vehicle costs, improving spare parts availability, and responding swiftly to market demands as volumes grow, they aim to make a significant impact.
Mr. Gilbert Saggia, founder and CEO of ePureMotion, shared his excitement: "ePureMotion is proud to collaborate with AVA to assemble Dongfeng EVs locally, contributing to Kenya's industrialization journey."
And Dongfeng has even bigger plans for the future. They aim to introduce additional electric passenger vehicles and light commercial EVs into the Kenyan market in the first quarter of 2026, targeting private buyers, corporate fleets, logistics operators, and public-sector users. Mr. Saggia hinted at an exciting roadmap: "More Dongfeng models, a national charging network expansion, and increased local assembly with AVA are on the horizon."
Dongfeng's presence in Kenya is not new; they've been active in the commercial vehicle space through DFAC Kenya Ltd, the authorized distributor and assembler of Dongfeng trucks in the country. But their partnership with ePureMotion takes things to a whole new level, bringing an integrated EV showroom and charging technology center, offering a one-stop solution for EV sales, charging, after-sales support, and accessories.
With this move, Dongfeng joins a select group of companies locally assembling electric cars, as the market has primarily focused on two-wheelers and buses so far. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, electric vehicles in Kenya are on the rise, with 6,442 registered EVs as of June 2025, thanks to the growth in charging points.
To make EV adoption even more accessible, the Kenyan startup has set up charging stations in malls across Nairobi, providing convenience and ease of use for EV owners.
So, what do you think? Is this a win-win for Kenya's automotive industry and environmental sustainability? Or are there potential challenges and considerations we should discuss? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
