Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers: KVM Thika Assembly Plant

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited, commonly known as KVM, is a contract vehicle assembler and automotive body-building company operating from Garissa Road in Thika, Kiambu County.

The plant assembles vehicles and mobility products for automotive manufacturers, distributors and transport companies. Its capabilities cover passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles, specialised vehicles, fabrication, painting and vehicle-body construction.

KVM began production in 1976 and remains one of Kenya’s established automotive assembly facilities. Its operations have recently expanded under CFAO Mobility Kenya, including the commissioning of a Toyota Hiace assembly line in June 2026.

About Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers

KVM was incorporated in July 1974 under the name Leyland Kenya Limited.

Production started in 1976, with the first vehicle leaving the Thika assembly line in August of that year. The company changed its name to Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited in 1989.

The plant was initially developed to assemble light and heavy commercial vehicles, including Leyland trucks and buses, Land Rover vehicles and Volkswagen products.

KVM has since operated as a multi-brand contract assembler, adapting its production lines for different original equipment manufacturers and vehicle categories.

KVM Company Profile

The original ownership figures should no longer be used. CFAO Mobility Kenya was reported in June 2026 to have taken a 99.4% controlling share after injecting KSh2.4 billion into KVM. The National Treasury and CMC Holdings were each reduced to approximately 0.3%.

CFAO Mobility Kenya Ownership

KVM’s ownership has changed substantially from its longstanding joint-shareholder structure.

Previously, the company was held by:

• Government of Kenya: 35%
• CMC Holdings: 32.5%
• D.T. Dobie: 32.5%

CFAO had already integrated D.T. Dobie’s business assets into CFAO Motors Kenya effective April 1, 2023.

Following further investment, CFAO Mobility Kenya increased its reported KVM ownership to 99.4% in 2026. The development placed the Thika assembly plant firmly within CFAO’s wider Kenyan automotive operations.

Vehicle Assembly

KVM provides completely knocked down and semi-knocked down vehicle-assembly services.

A completely knocked down vehicle arrives as a collection of components and is assembled locally through processes that may include:

• Chassis preparation
• Welding
• Body assembly
• Painting
• Engine and drivetrain installation
• Electrical installation
• Interior fitting
• Wheel alignment
• Inspection
• Road testing
• Final quality control

The precise process depends on the manufacturer, model and level of local assembly agreed with the vehicle distributor.

Vehicles Assembled at KVM

KVM has assembled numerous brands during its history. However, not every historical brand remains in active production.

Recent or current programmes include:

• Toyota
• Volkswagen
• UD Trucks
• Tata
• BasiGo electric buses
• Caetano bus products
• Vehicles handled through CFAO Mobility
• Products associated with Car & General
• Specialised safari vehicles

A KVM supplier-prequalification notice covering 2025–2028 states that the company assembles two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, pickups, light and heavy trucks and bus bodies. It also identifies specialised vehicles such as safari vehicles.

Customers and potential partners should contact KVM directly to confirm which models are currently in production.

Toyota Hiace Assembly

KVM commissioned a Toyota Hiace production line at its Thika facility in June 2026 in partnership with CFAO Mobility Kenya.

The investment was reported at approximately KSh2.3 billion to KSh2.4 billion and is intended to strengthen local production, employment and Kenya’s automotive manufacturing capacity.

The Toyota Hiace is widely used for:

• Passenger transport
• Staff transport
• Tourism
• School transport
• Hotel transfers
• Shuttle services
• Commercial fleet operations

KVM is the assembler rather than the ordinary retail dealership. Customers interested in purchasing a Toyota vehicle should normally deal with CFAO Mobility Kenya or its approved sales network.

Volkswagen Assembly

Volkswagen production resumed at KVM’s Thika plant in September 2025.

The renewed programme was described as part of efforts to strengthen local automotive assembly and Kenya’s partnership with the German vehicle manufacturer.

Vehicle models and production volumes may change depending on market demand, component availability and agreements between KVM, CFAO Mobility and Volkswagen.

Electric Bus Assembly

KVM has participated in Kenya’s emerging electric-mobility industry, including bus-assembly activity associated with BasiGo.

Electric-bus assembly can involve:

• Chassis and body integration
• Battery-system installation
• High-voltage electrical work
• Interior fitting
• Safety inspection
• Software configuration
• Charging-system testing
• Road testing

KVM’s 2025–2028 supplier notice names BasiGo among the brands or partners using the facility.

The listing should not quote a fixed number of electric buses produced unless supported by a dated official announcement.

Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Assembly

KVM states that its assembly capabilities are not limited to conventional cars, buses and trucks.

Its current supplier notice includes:

• Two-wheelers
• Three-wheelers
• Passenger vehicles
• Pickups
• Light trucks
• Heavy trucks

The specific motorcycle or three-wheeler brands assembled may vary by production contract.

Bus Body Building

KVM designs and builds bus bodies for public-transport operators, schools, companies, government institutions and private organisations.

Bus body-building work may include:

• Structural framing
• Exterior panels
• Flooring
• Passenger seats
• Doors
• Windows
• Luggage compartments
• Lighting
• Electrical systems
• Interior finishing
• Painting and branding
• Safety equipment

The final configuration depends on chassis type, passenger capacity, intended use and the applicable vehicle standards.

Truck Body Building

KVM can fabricate bodies for commercial trucks used in transport, construction, agriculture and distribution.

Possible configurations include:

• Cargo bodies
• Dropside bodies
• Box bodies
• Tanker bodies
• Tippers
• Refrigerated bodies
• Service vehicles
• Municipal vehicles
• Recovery vehicles
• Custom fleet bodies

Availability should be confirmed directly because specialised projects are normally produced under contract rather than sold as standard walk-in products.

Specialised Vehicles

KVM provides specialised-vehicle engineering and conversion services.

Its recent corporate material specifically refers to safari vehicles.

Other project categories may include:

• Ambulance bodies
• Mobile workshops
• Tourism vehicles
• Emergency-response vehicles
• Institutional vehicles
• Utility vehicles
• Mobile clinics
• Security-related vehicle bodies
• Custom commercial vehicles

The original listing’s reference to armoured vehicles should be retained only when supported by a current KVM product page or written confirmation.

Safari Vehicles

Safari-vehicle conversion can include modifications such as:

• Raised roofs
• Viewing hatches
• Reconfigured seating
• Luggage storage
• Reinforced suspension
• Tourism-oriented interiors
• Exterior steps
• Communication systems
• Protective interior finishes

KVM’s current supplier documentation confirms specialised safari vehicles as part of its capability.

Operators should provide the base vehicle, seating requirements, tourism-licensing needs and route conditions before requesting a quotation.

Metal Fabrication

KVM’s automotive production capabilities require extensive metalworking and fabrication.

These capabilities may include:

• Cutting
• Bending
• Welding
• Forming
• Chassis modification
• Structural assembly
• Panel fabrication
• Surface preparation
• Painting

Fabrication work is generally quoted according to technical drawings, material requirements, quantities and quality specifications.

Painting and Surface Finishing

Vehicle production at KVM includes surface preparation, painting and finishing.

Services can involve:

• Body preparation
• Primer application
• Paint application
• Corrosion protection
• Commercial fleet colours
• Decorative finishing
• Quality inspection

Surface branding may be arranged for fleet vehicles, buses and institutional transport, but customers should confirm whether graphics are produced internally or through approved third parties.

Production Capacity

KVM has historically published an installed production capacity of approximately 6,600 vehicles per year on a single-shift basis.

The figure describes theoretical installed capacity rather than guaranteed annual output. Actual production can be lower depending on:

• Orders
• Market demand
• Model contracts
• Imported component availability
• Production-line changes
• Shift arrangements
• Supply-chain conditions

The 6,600-unit capacity has also been cited in historical automotive-sector reporting.

The listing should therefore use “published installed capacity of about 6,600 units annually on one shift” rather than implying that KVM produces exactly 6,600 vehicles every year.

Plant Size

The original listing describes KVM as occupying a 40-acre plant, with 18 acres available for development.

That figure has appeared in historical KVM corporate descriptions, but it could not be independently confirmed in a current CFAO or KVM publication accessible during this review.

A safer description is:

“KVM operates a large automotive assembly complex along Garissa Road in Thika.”

The precise acreage can be restored after confirmation from KVM.

Cumulative Production

The original listing claims that KVM has produced more than 60,000 vehicles since 1976.

That figure may be based on historical company information, but KVM does not currently publish an easily verifiable updated cumulative total.

The directory should say:

“KVM has assembled tens of thousands of vehicles since production began in 1976.”

This avoids presenting an old cumulative number as a current audited figure.

Markets Served

KVM primarily serves vehicle manufacturers, distributors, fleet operators and institutional customers in Kenya.

Its locally assembled products may also support regional transport and mobility markets.

The fixed list of Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Zambia should not be presented as current direct export markets unless KVM confirms active exports to each country.

A safer service-area description is:

• Kenya
• East African automotive and transport market
• Contract assembly clients
• Fleet and institutional customers
• Original equipment manufacturers

Does KVM Sell Vehicles Directly?

KVM primarily works as an assembler and manufacturer.

It does not necessarily operate as a conventional retail dealership for every brand assembled at its plant.

Buyers generally purchase vehicles through:

• CFAO Mobility Kenya
• The relevant brand distributor
• An appointed dealership
• A fleet-sales division
• A government or corporate procurement process

Customers looking for an individual Toyota, Volkswagen, UD, Tata or another vehicle should contact the relevant distributor first.

Custom Orders

Custom body-building and specialised-vehicle projects normally require technical assessment.

A quotation may depend on:

• Vehicle chassis
• Intended application
• Passenger capacity
• Body dimensions
• Materials
• Seating
• Electrical requirements
• Paint and branding
• Safety specifications
• Number of units
• Production schedule

Clients should provide drawings or a complete functional specification when requesting custom work.

Quality Control

Vehicle assembly involves inspections throughout the production process.

Quality checks may cover:

• Weld integrity
• Paint finish
• Electrical systems
• Torque settings
• Fluid levels
• Brakes
• Steering
• Lights
• Wheel alignment
• Water leakage
• Roadworthiness
• Final road tests

KVM job descriptions published through CFAO show dedicated assembly-engineering and quality-control roles at the Thika plant.

Employment and Careers

KVM employment opportunities are increasingly advertised through CFAO Mobility Kenya’s careers platform.

Recent roles have included:

• Assembly engineer
• Assembly technician
• Quality inspector
• Technical trainer
• Human-resources assistant

Applicants should use CFAO Mobility Kenya’s official careers page and avoid paying recruitment fees.

Industrial Attachments and Internships

The original listing says KVM accepts industrial-attachment students.

KVM’s participation in technical training and links with TVET programmes suggest that training opportunities may arise, but no permanent open attachment programme with fixed application instructions was confirmed.

Students should therefore:

1. Check the CFAO Mobility Kenya careers portal.
2. Contact KVM’s human-resources department.
3. Submit a formal institutional introduction letter.
4. Specify the preferred attachment dates.
5. Avoid sending money to individuals promising placement.

The listing should not guarantee that applications are continuously open.

Opening Hours

KVM’s official website could not be accessed during verification, and a current official public schedule was not found.

The original schedule of Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., may reflect normal manufacturing-office hours, but it should not be marked as verified.

Use the following wording:

Visitors should call before travelling to the plant.

Location

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited is located along Garissa Road in Thika, Kiambu County.

The facility is approximately 45 kilometres from central Nairobi, according to KVM’s 2025 supplier notice.

The location may also be described as:

Garissa Road
Thika, Kiambu County
Kenya

The reference to “near Gempark Hotel” should be treated as a navigation aid rather than part of the company’s formal postal address.

Contact Information

Business Name

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited

Physical Location

Garissa Road
Thika, Kiambu County
Kenya

Postal Address

P.O. Box 1436-01000
Thika, Kenya

Website

kvm.co.ke

The original numbers +254 20 354 0309 and 0733 636 091, together with [email protected] and [email protected], could not be confirmed from a current accessible official page.

They should remain unpublished or be labelled “confirm before use” until KVM verifies them.

For careers and CFAO-related enquiries, customers may use the official CFAO Mobility Kenya platform. CFAO’s website currently lists KVM positions and describes KVM as part of its Kenyan automotive operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers?

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers is a Thika-based company providing contract vehicle assembly, bus body building, specialised-vehicle production and fabrication.

When was KVM founded?

The company was incorporated in 1974 as Leyland Kenya Limited and began vehicle production in 1976. It adopted the KVM name in 1989.

Who owns KVM?

CFAO Mobility Kenya was reported in June 2026 to control 99.4% of KVM after a KSh2.4 billion capital injection. The National Treasury and CMC Holdings reportedly retained 0.3% each.

Is KVM owned by the Kenyan government?

The government retains only a small reported minority share. The previous 35% government ownership is outdated following CFAO’s 2026 investment.

Where is KVM located?

KVM is located along Garissa Road in Thika, Kiambu County, approximately 45 kilometres from Nairobi.

What vehicles does KVM assemble?

KVM assembles passenger vehicles, pickups, trucks, buses, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and specialised vehicles under contracts with different brands and distributors.

Does KVM assemble Toyota vehicles?

Yes. KVM commissioned a Toyota Hiace assembly line in June 2026 in partnership with CFAO Mobility Kenya.

Does KVM assemble Volkswagen vehicles?

Yes. Volkswagen assembly resumed at the Thika plant in September 2025.

Does KVM assemble electric buses?

KVM has participated in electric-bus assembly and lists BasiGo among the brands or partners associated with its operations.

Does KVM build bus bodies?

Yes. Bus body building is one of the company’s established production capabilities.

Does KVM make safari vehicles?

Yes. KVM’s 2025–2028 supplier notice specifically lists specialised safari vehicles.

What is KVM’s annual capacity?

KVM has a historically published installed capacity of approximately 6,600 vehicles per year on one shift. Actual output varies according to orders and production programmes.

Can an individual buy a vehicle directly from KVM?

KVM mainly assembles vehicles for manufacturers and distributors. Individual buyers should normally contact the relevant brand dealership or CFAO Mobility Kenya.

Does KVM offer industrial attachments?

Training or attachment opportunities may be advertised periodically, but no permanent open application programme was confirmed. Students should check CFAO Mobility Kenya’s careers platform.

How can I apply for a job at KVM?

Current KVM vacancies are published through CFAO Mobility Kenya’s careers portal.

Why Companies Work With KVM

KVM’s principal strengths include:

• Vehicle assembly experience dating to 1976
• Multi-brand production capabilities
• Passenger and commercial-vehicle assembly
• Motorcycle and three-wheeler capability
• Bus body building
• Electric-bus assembly experience
• Safari and specialised-vehicle production
• Fabrication, welding and paint facilities
• A strategic Thika location
• Backing from CFAO Mobility Kenya
• Newly commissioned Toyota Hiace production
• Experience working with international vehicle manufacturers

Businesses seeking assembly, body-building or specialised-vehicle services should contact KVM or CFAO Mobility Kenya with complete technical specifications.

The listing should remove the obsolete shareholder table, unverified Google rating, guaranteed attachment statement and static historical brand list.

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