Renault Truck Launches Assembly Plant in Thika

Renault Trucks has opened a local assembly plant in Thika as it keeps expanding its footprint in Kenya.

The move follows the establishment of a long-term partnership with the local exclusive importer CMC Motors and unveiling of their new C and K ranges in Mombasa and Nairobi.

The plant, which was commissioned at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) by Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Permanent Secretary Francis Owino in the presence of National Treasury Chief 

Administrative Secretary CAS Nelson Gaichuhie, Renault Trucks President Bruno Blin, CMC Motors Managing Director Collin Cordery  and Thika Town MP Eng. Patrick Wainaina,  will see the company and CMC Motors create over 200 new jobs with additional opportunities set to be generated across the value chain.

Owino applauded CMC Motors Group for establishing a vehicle assembling plant in Kenya, terming the move as a clear demonstration of the company’s confidence in the Kenyan market.

He appealed to Renault to consider sourcing materials and parts for assembling their trucks from local manufacturing entities especially SMEs involved in the production of these parts.

On his part, Renault President Bruno assured the country that his company would do everything possible to ensure that the venture benefitted the country.

Collin Cordery dismissed the fears by truck drivers and operators who viewed the expansion of the rail transport in Kenya as a threat to their business. He it termed it as unfounded since both forms of transport only complimented each other and none would work in isolation.

"Trains only reach to a certain point from where trucks take over the cargo to their destinations," said Cordery.

Thika MP insisted on a 40% local content on all parts that might be used in assembling these vehicles in Kenya as this was the only guarantee for more jobs to the residents.

“We will only realise (President Uhuru’s) Agenda 4 if manufacture the parts here in this country and create those jobs in reality. We want manufacturing and not assembling,” said Wainaina.