Kibo Africa has unveiled Kes279, 000 new motorcycles, growing its range of locally assembled bikes to four.

The K160E Evolution comes with a 160-cc engine capacity and a load weight of 200 kilograms.

The local motorcycle manufacturer says that the unit's launch seeks to meet the high demand for motorcycles for clients who seek to reduce commute time and traffic congestion.

Kibo Africa CEO Huib van de Grijspaarde noted the value of motorcycling in improving mobility for urban residents.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday Night, the CEO noted that the K160E as an opportunity to help better young Kenyans do more by saving a lot of time on their commutes and expressing their spirit of adventure through how they move.

“Our mobility solutions are designed to fit into our customers’ lifestyles while maintaining affordability and allowing them to remain environmentally conscious,” he said.

Kenya's motorbike sector is expanding as more people seek more practical transportation options.

According to the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya, 25,000 and 35,000 bikes are built in Kenya each month, with a 15.6% increase in newly registered motorcycles between 2020 and 2021.

The yearly capacity of Kibo Africa is currently 10,000 bikes, and in the following three years, it is intended to raise this capacity to 50,000 bikes.

“The K160E is the next step in our growth trajectory to better suit the needs of the Kenyan urban resident,” he added.

Further, Kibo plans to partner with local manufacturers to transfer the manufacturing of key components such as mufflers and exhaust by Q1 2024.

Trade PS Juma Mukhwana, who Deputy Director for Industries Gideon Oele represented, noted that the launch is a significant step towards improving the capacity and quality of local engineering teams and will contribute to the growth of the manufacturing industry in Kenya.

“Besides, Kibo’s vision to unlock opportunities by providing access to safe and reliable mobility for all people, by challenging the market with an entrepreneurial spirit that delivers trusted quality is commendable,” said Mukhwana.