Chery, one of China’s most awarded and innovative automotive brands, has officially entered the Kenyan market, introducing a lineup of affordable electric and hybrid SUVs through a strategic partnership with Caetano Kenya. The launch marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s evolving mobility landscape, as global automakers increasingly target Africa’s rising middle class and growing appetite for modern, efficient vehicles.
The debut lineup includes the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, and Tiggo 8 Pro Max—SUVs designed to appeal to Kenya’s tech-savvy, style-conscious drivers. Prices start at KES 3.9 million (≈ $30,200), and each model comes with a seven-year or 200,000 km warranty, one of the most comprehensive in the market.
Chery’s entry is a bold move in a market still dominated by second-hand vehicle imports, which are growing at a 3.21% annual rate and projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030. The challenge for new automakers is to convince buyers—many of whom traditionally opt for used cars due to affordability—to embrace new models that offer lower running costs, advanced safety features, and modern connectivity.
Chery’s long-term strategy includes local vehicle assembly starting in 2026, aligning with Kenya’s “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” industrial policy. According to Caetano Kenya Managing Director Aurélien Glay, the move is expected to create jobs, transfer manufacturing skills, and accelerate industrial growth.
Built in Kenya, for Kenya — this is not just our strategy, it is our promise. Our partnership with Chery goes beyond introducing a globally successful automotive brand to our market; it represents a bold commitment to Kenya’s industrial future.
Chery’s launch in Kenya is part of a broader wave of electric mobility expansion across Africa. In South Africa, Chinese EV giants BYD and Leapmotor are competing for market share, leveraging local assembly, advanced battery technology, and affordability to win over consumers. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Russian automaker AvtoVAZ is exploring the production of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, contributing to the continent’s clean transport ambitions.
Africa’s EV market is projected to grow from USD 0.45 billion in 2025 to USD 4.2 billion by 2030, driven by government incentives, battery mineral resources, and the ability to leapfrog legacy infrastructure.
While Chery’s SUVs offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and smart innovation, the key question remains: Are they truly affordable for the average Kenyan consumer? With used cars still dominating the market, Chery’s success will depend on its ability to build trust, offer competitive financing, and deliver reliable after-sales service.
Nonetheless, the brand’s entry signals a transformative moment for Kenya’s automotive sector—one where global innovation meets local ambition, and where electric mobility is no longer a distant future, but a fast-approaching reality.
