Chery Enters Kenyan Market with Affordable Hybrid and Electric SUVs

Chinese automaker Chery, one of the world’s most awarded and innovative automotive brands, has officially launched in Kenya, introducing a range of affordable hybrid and electric SUVs through a strategic partnership with Caetano Kenya. The entry marks a major milestone in Kenya’s transition toward sustainable mobility and highlights Africa’s growing appeal to global car manufacturers.

Chery Launches Tiggo Series SUVs in Kenya

The debut lineup features the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, and Tiggo 8 Pro Max, all designed to meet the needs of Kenya’s tech-savvy and style-conscious consumers. Prices start at KES 3.9 million (≈ $30,200), and each model includes an impressive seven-year or 200,000 km warranty, among the most extensive in the local market.

These SUVs are equipped with smart connectivity, advanced safety features, and efficient powertrains, offering a competitive edge against both traditional and hybrid competitors.

Chery’s arrival is a bold play in a market long dominated by used car imports, which continue to grow at 3.21% annually and are expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030. The brand aims to shift consumer preferences toward new, fuel-efficient, and tech-driven models, offering lower long-term costs and cleaner emissions.

“Built in Kenya, for Kenya — this is not just our strategy, it is our promise,” said Aurélien Glay, Managing Director at Caetano Kenya. “Our partnership with Chery goes beyond introducing a globally successful automotive brand; it represents a bold commitment to Kenya’s industrial future.”

Local Assembly and Job Creation Plans

As part of its long-term strategy, Chery plans to begin local vehicle assembly in Kenya by 2026, aligning with the government’s “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” policy. The move is expected to create local jobs, enhance manufacturing expertise, and support the country’s broader industrialization goals.

Chery’s launch in Kenya comes amid a wave of electric mobility expansion across Africa. In South Africa, Chinese EV brands BYD and Leapmotor are rapidly scaling their presence through local assembly and advanced battery technology. Meanwhile, Nigeria is exploring CNG-powered vehicles through partnerships with Russian automaker AvtoVAZ, signaling the continent’s growing shift toward clean transport alternatives.

According to industry projections, Africa’s EV market is set to grow from USD 0.45 billion in 2025 to USD 4.2 billion by 2030, fueled by government incentives, access to critical battery minerals, and the opportunity to leapfrog traditional automotive infrastructure.

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Challenges and Market Outlook

While Chery’s SUVs combine design, performance, and smart innovation, affordability remains a central question. With the majority of Kenyan buyers still opting for imported used cars, Chery’s success will depend on its ability to build trust, offer flexible financing, and deliver strong after-sales service.

Still, the automaker’s entry represents a turning point for Kenya’s automotive sector, where global innovation meets local ambition, and where electric mobility is no longer a distant dream but a fast-approaching reality.