Kenyatta said the move would help to discourage the buying of imported used vehicles, which are currently selling at lower prices than those assembled locally.
“We have to think outside the box. I encourage you to come up with real solutions in motor vehicle industry that will benefit Kenyans,” Kenyatta said.
He was speaking when he met members of the Kenya Manufacturers Association to discuss the National Automotive Policy geared towards promoting the sector.
Kenyatta emphasized that he was keen to see the country’s vehicle assembly industry back on track, noting that in the past, it used to be a major employer in the country.
He assured them that the government was ready to work with the vehicle manufacturers association to restore the local industry to its former glory.
“We all acknowledge that the importation of used vehicles has led to the slump of the vehicle manufacturing sector in the country,” Kenyatta said.
He challenged the local vehicle assemblers to ensure production of high quality vehicles, as well as parts.
“As we work to improve the local manufacturing industry, we also have to insist that quality standards must be observed at all times,” Kenyatta said.