EV Assembly Plant Launched in Mombasa

Rideence Africa Limited has launched a major investment in Kenya's clean transport future, committing $2.46 million (KSh 320 million) to establish a local electric vehicle (EV) assembly line in Mombasa. This strategic partnership with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) marks the company's evolution from a leading vehicle operator into a local manufacturer, aiming to significantly boost job creation and build a domestic EV supply chain.

The initiative will see the assembly of 152 EVs from Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) kits by the end of February 2026. The first batch will include 132 Henrey electric taxis and 20 Joylong electric high-roof matatus. The project aims to progressively build a supply chain with 60% Kenyan-made components.

This move follows Rideence's initial phase as an operator, where it imported and deployed over 180 EVs to build East Africa's largest electric ride-hailing fleet over the past three years.

Since entering the market in 2023, Rideence has invested over $10.77 million (KSh 1.4 billion) in Kenya. The company has already created between 550 and 680 direct jobs, and the new assembly project is projected to generate an additional 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. These opportunities will span vehicle assembly, supply chain development, charging infrastructure, and support services.

Rideence operates on a lease-to-drive model, offering a clear cost advantage for drivers transitioning to electric. Drivers lease a Henrey electric taxi for a daily rate of $18.47 (KSh 2,400). Charging the vehicle for a 200km range costs approximately $3.08 (KSh 400), compared to over $15.39 (KSh 2,000) for fuel in a petrol vehicle covering the same distance, making EVs a significantly more economical choice.

Minnan Yu, Managing Director of Rideence Africa Limited, stated the company's vision is to become "a leading new-energy mobility enterprise, born in Kenya and serving Africa."

This investment arrives as Kenya's electric mobility sector experiences rapid growth. Rideence joins other key players like BasiGo in electric buses and Roam in electric motorcycles and buses, collectively accelerating the adoption of cleaner transport. Analysts note that Rideence's shift to local assembly strengthens Kenya's manufacturing capacity and aligns with national goals for industrialization and sustainable job creation.