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Showing posts from July 18, 2025

Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles—The Future of Mobility in Kenya

⚡️ 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...

The 5 Best Family-Friendly SUVs Under KES 2 Million in Kenya

  The 5 Best Family-Friendly SUVs Under KES 2 Million in Kenya Finding the perfect family car in Kenya is a balancing act. You need space for the kids and all their gear, the toughness to handle the occasional rough road, and a price tag that doesn't break the bank. An SUV is often the perfect solution, but which ones offer the best value for a budget of KES 2 million? We've scoured the market to bring you our top 5 picks for the best used, family-friendly SUVs you can buy in Kenya for under 2 million shillings. 1. Subaru Forester (SJ Generation, 2013-2018) The Forester is a Kenyan favorite for a reason. It comes with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, making it confident on both tarmac and marram roads. The high ground clearance is a huge plus. Inside, the cabin is spacious with a large, practical boot perfect for family road trips. Why it's great: Excellent safety ratings, reliable, capable on all terrains. Best for: The adventurous family t...

How to Save Money on Petrol in Kenya: Fuel Efficiency Hacks

  Fuel Efficiency Hacks: How to Save Money on Petrol in Kenya Let's face it, the price of fuel in Kenya can make your wallet weep. Every shilling counts, and making your car go further on a single tank of petrol or diesel is one of the best ways to save money every month. The good news is that you don't need a new hybrid car to be more fuel-efficient. By changing a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce your fuel consumption. Here are 7 practical hacks to save money on fuel, starting today. 1. Lighten Your Load Are you driving around with a boot full of things you don't need? That extra weight makes your engine work harder, which burns more fuel. Take a few minutes to clear out any unnecessary items from your car – sports equipment, old books, or tools. Treat your car like a handbag, not a storage unit! 2. Smooth and Steady Wins the Race Your driving style is the single biggest factor in your car's fuel economy. Avoid harsh acceleration: Pretend there's an...

Toyota Vitz vs. Nissan Note: Which is the Best Budget Hatchback for Nairobi Streets?

  Toyota Vitz vs. Nissan Note: Which is the Best Budget Hatchback for Nairobi Streets? When it comes to navigating the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, a compact hatchback is king. They are easy to park, fuel-efficient, and affordable. Two of the most popular choices you'll see on our roads are the Toyota Vitz and the Nissan Note. But which one is right for you? Let's break them down across the factors that matter most to a Kenyan driver. Round 1: Fuel Efficiency For most Kenyans, fuel consumption is a top priority. Toyota Vitz: The Vitz, especially with its 1.0L or 1.3L engine, is legendary for being a fuel sipper. It's one of the most economical cars you can run for daily city commuting. Nissan Note: The Note, particularly the 1.2L non-supercharged version, is also incredibly fuel-efficient, often rivaling the Vitz. The DIG-S (supercharged) version offers more power but uses slightly more fuel. Winner: It's a tie. Both are champions of fuel economy, and your actual co...

Car Import Duty in Kenya: A Simple Guide for 2025

  Car Import Duty in Kenya: A Simple Guide for 2025 So, you've found the perfect car online from Japan or the UK, and the price looks fantastic. But then comes the big question: how much will it cost to actually get it on the road in Kenya? The single biggest factor is the import duty calculated by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). It can seem complicated, but this guide will break it down for you in simple terms. What is Car Import Duty? Import duty is a tax levied by the government on goods brought into the country. For cars, it's not just one tax but a combination of three main charges, all calculated based on the vehicle's Customs Value . Important Note: The Customs Value is NOT the price you paid for the car. It's the value determined by the KRA, based on the car's make, model, and year of manufacture, using their official Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list. The Three Main Taxes You'll Pay Import Duty (25%): This is the first main tax. It's cal...

10 Things to Inspect Before Buying a Used Car in Kenya

  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 t...

A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Car Buying in Kenya

  Don't Get Scammed!! The excitement of buying a new car can sometimes blind us to potential risks, and unfortunately, the Kenyan car market isn't immune to scams. From fake documents to phantom vehicles, fraudsters are always looking for ways to exploit unsuspecting buyers. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps to protect yourself and ensure a safe, legitimate car purchase in Kenya. Common Car Scams to Watch Out For Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, be aware of these prevalent scams: Document Forgery: This is perhaps the most dangerous. Scammers might present fake logbooks, import papers, insurance certificates, or even NTSA inspection reports. The car might be stolen, have outstanding loans, or simply not exist. Mileage Fraud (Odometer Tampering): A common trick where the odometer is rolled back to show a lower mileage, making an old, worn-out car appear newer and more valuable. Down Payment Scams: You're asked for a significant do...