Chinese vehicle manufacturers are making significant gains in Kenya’s automotive market, more than doubling their combined market share as demand for their vehicles continues to grow.
Data reported by Business Daily on shows that Chinese manufacturers sold 1,847 vehicles between January and September 2026, compared with 733 during the same period last year. Their combined share of Kenya’s new-vehicle market consequently increased from 7.39% to 14.65%.
Sinotruk accounted for the largest share of the growth, recording 1,442 vehicle sales, representing a 169.5% increase. Passenger vehicle brands are also gaining ground. BYD sold 54 units, compared with just two in the corresponding period last year, while Changan sales rose from 36 to 73 units. Chery Tiggo, which had no recorded sales in the previous year’s comparison, registered 50 units.
The growth comes as Kenya’s wider new-vehicle market expands. Dealers sold 12,606 vehicles during the nine-month period, up 27% from 9,924 units in 2025.
The increase in commercial vehicle purchases has been particularly significant, with infrastructure activity and payments to road contractors supporting demand for trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Commenting on the market’s performance, Isuzu East Africa attributed much of the industry’s growth to government spending on infrastructure. The company said, “Industry performance was primarily propelled by government fiscal intervention, specifically the mobilization of Sh139 billion to clear contractor bills and restart road projects, which spurred heavy commercial vehicle demand.”
The figures point to growing competition in Kenya’s new-vehicle market, where Chinese manufacturers are expanding beyond commercial trucks into passenger cars and electric vehicles.
For Kenyan buyers, the growing presence of these brands means more competition and potentially more choices across different vehicle categories. However, factors such as after-sales support, spare-parts availability, resale value and warranty coverage will remain important when evaluating the newer entrants.
