⚡️ The Green Shift: Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles—The Future of Sustainable Mobility in Kenya Kenya is rapidly establishing itself as an African leader in the transition to sustainable transport, a shift that JETOUR and its parent company, Chery Group, are strategically prepared to support. While the immediate focus of JETOUR's Kenya launch is on high-quality, locally assembled SUVs, the long-term vision articulated by Managing Director Farouk Sheikh includes the crucial development of infrastructure and vehicles powered by electric and hydrogen energy . This move aligns perfectly with Kenya’s national goals for industrialization, job creation, and mitigating climate change. I. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Boom : Riding on Clean Energy The adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is already surging in Kenya, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments, and the passenger car sector is catching up. JETOUR's planned expansion into this space is timely and potent bec...
A First-Timer's Checklist
Buying your first used car in Kenya is an exciting milestone! But it can also be nerve-wracking. How do you know you're getting a reliable vehicle and not just inheriting someone else's problems? To help you buy with confidence, we've created the ultimate pre-purchase inspection checklist. Don't even think about paying a deposit until you've gone through these 10 crucial steps.
1. Check the Paperwork (Logbook & Import Documents)
Before you even touch the car, ask to see the original logbook (NTSA). Ensure the name, chassis number, and engine number on the logbook match the vehicle exactly. For newly imported cars, ask for the import documents to verify its age and origin. Any hesitation from the seller here is a major red flag.
2. Exterior Bodywork and Paint
Walk around the car in broad daylight. Look for:
Mismatched paint: This is a dead giveaway for accident repair.
Uneven gaps between body panels (e.g., between the door and the fender).
Rust: Check the wheel arches, under the doors, and the boot.
Dents and major scratches.
3. Tyres and Wheels
Tyres are expensive to replace. Check if they have adequate tread and are from a reputable brand. Uneven tyre wear (e.g., more wear on the inside or outside) can indicate a problem with the car's alignment or suspension, which can be costly to fix.
4. Under the Bonnet (The Engine Bay)
You don't have to be a mechanic for this. With the engine off and cool, pop the hood and look for:
Obvious leaks: Check for oil or coolant drips on the engine or the ground underneath.
Fluid levels: Check the engine oil (is it black and gritty?), coolant, and brake fluid.
Hoses and belts: Do they look cracked or worn out?
5. The Interior Condition
The inside of the car tells a story about how it was treated.
Check all electronics: Test the radio, air conditioning (A/C), power windows, lights, and wipers.
Upholstery: Look for major rips, stains, or a damp smell which could indicate a leak.
Odometer reading: Does the mileage seem reasonable for the car's age and overall condition?
6. Start the Engine
Now it's time to turn the key. Listen carefully. Does the engine start easily? Are there any strange rattling or knocking sounds? Look at the exhaust pipe – a puff of blue or black smoke is a bad sign.
7. The Test Drive is Non-Negotiable
This is the most important part. Drive the car on a route with varied conditions – a bit of traffic, an open road, and a few bumps if possible.
Brakes: Do they feel sharp and responsive, or spongy? Does the car pull to one side when you brake hard?
Steering & Suspension: Does the car handle smoothly? Listen for clunking noises when going over bumps.
Gearbox: Whether manual or automatic, the gear changes should be smooth.
8. Check for a Valid Inspection Certificate
In Kenya, all vehicles require an annual inspection from the NTSA. Ask to see a valid certificate. This shows the car has met basic safety standards recently.
9. Get a Mechanic's Opinion
If you're serious about the car, it is always worth paying a trusted mechanic a small fee to give it a professional once-over. They can spot hidden issues that an untrained eye would miss. This is the best money you can spend for peace of mind.
10. Trust Your Gut
Finally, after all the checks, what is your feeling about the car and the seller? If something feels off, it probably is. There are plenty of other cars out there. Don't let pressure or emotion lead you into a bad deal.
Ready to find a car that passes all the tests? At Vocheseleon Inc Motors, all our vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection to ensure you drive away with quality and confidence.
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