MAN Truck & Bus says the setting up of a CKD production facility near Nairobi is part of its effort to strengthen its presence in Kenya.
The new 15,000sqm facility located close to Nairobi has been set-up by MAN’s local partner JAP Group and can assemble both trucks and bus chassis.
The German firm has also confirmed that JAP Assembler Kenya Limited, a subsidiary of JAP Group, has the responsibility for operations of this plant.
Construction on the CKD project began in August 2019 with the initial assemblies beginning in November last year – and the first vehicle rolled out in January 2020.
‘Truck in a box’ kits are imported from Germany while a ‘small portion’ of the bus CKD items are brought in from South Africa. Looking to the long-term both MAN and JAP Grou are aiming to “cater to greater customer needs for various applications.”
“This is a key development in MAN’s presence in Kenya,” said Noel Macaron, head of Truck Sales, Sales Area MEA&LA, MAN Truck & Bus. “Over the years, our partner Mobikey Truck & Bus (part of the JAP Group) has done immense good work in establishing a strong base and credibility for the MAN brand providing excellent sales and after sales service experience to customers.
“With the new facility we can offer the benefit of exemption from customs/import duties. Customers will, therefore, benefit from more competitive prices from MAN.”
