TAD Motors Unveils Kenya's First EV Prototypes

On 27 November 2025, Nairobi witnessed a historic moment as TAD Motors unveiled Kenya's first homegrown electric vehicle (EV) prototypes. This milestone is more than a product launch—it marks the beginning of a bold journey toward locally built, sustainable mobility solutions designed for African roads, African people, and Africa's future.

These prototypes lay the foundation for full-scale production at the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) starting in 2026, signaling Kenya's ambition to become a regional hub for EV manufacturing. The vehicles are being engineered with African conditions in mind: durability for local roads, cost-efficiency for both private and commercial users, smart technology integration, and low-emission, future-forward energy systems.

The Unveiling: Innovation Meets Vision

The event drew influential thinkers, innovators, and policymakers, emphasizing the national significance of clean transport and sustainable industrialization. TAD Motors showcased five prototype models designed to serve a variety of needs:

• Dhahabu – premium urban SUV
• Amani – compact city car for urban commuting
• Fahari – executive-class sedan
• Makena – rugged utility EV
• AZIZI – full-size electric SUV tailored for private and commercial applications.

Each model offers a range of around 250 km per charge, with the option to recharge from a standard household socket—making EV ownership practical even before public charging networks expand.

Voices at the Launch

The ceremony was filled with insights from leaders shaping Kenya's EV and sustainability landscape. Rather than quoting them at length, it's clear each brought a unique perspective:

Tadesse Tessema, TAD Motors CEO, spoke on the vision for locally made, practical EVs:

"We're humbled and energised by the support from our partners, innovators, and community who made this day possible."

Charge d'Affaires Amb. Aida Wande Eriminio, South Sudan Embassy, underscored the diplomatic significance and regional support for local manufacturing:

Dr Korir Sing'Oei, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, highlighted Kenya's role in creating an enabling environment for innovation and investment:

"Kenya is open for investment. We are creating an enabling environment where ideas like TAD Motors can scale across the continent and beyond."

Alexander Koerner, UNEP Programme Officer for Sustainable Mobility, emphasized the environmental imperative of clean transport:

"Shifting to electric vehicles is not just innovation — it's a climate imperative."

Panel Discussion: Advancing Kenya's Green Mobility

Among the distinguished guests were experts featured in our panel discussion. This powerful session provided insight into Kenya's readiness for EVs, the policy environment, infrastructure needs, and the role of local manufacturing in accelerating adoption.

Our Panelists Included:

• Alfa 'Captain' Mwaura – CEO of MYP & GLA, International Institute of Commerce Youth Champion
• Dr. Billy Wadong'o – Director, Innovation & Incubation, USIU-Africa & TYECI; Researcher and Published Electric Mobility Expert
• Owen Ombima – Senior Officer, Sustainable Business & Social Impact, Safaricom
• Eng. Michael Muchiri – Public Service Engineer, State Department for Roads, Ministry of Roads and Transport
• Mercy Edna Manyasa – Sustainable Transport Expert, UN Habitat & Women in E-Mobility Network Kenya
• Warren Olanje – Managing Director, Africa E-Mobility Alliance (AFEMA)

Moderated by: Elizabeth Nasaka – Sustainability & Innovation Advocate

Their insights helped frame the national conversation around EV manufacturing, charging networks, and policy support—exactly the ecosystem TAD Motors is working to strengthen.

Together, these voices framed the launch as a national call to action for sustainable mobility, industrial growth, and climate-conscious innovation.

What This Means for Kenya and Africa

The unveiling signals that Kenya is ready to lead Africa in electric mobility. With production moving to Naivasha in 2026, TAD Motors aims to:

• Create jobs in local manufacturing and supply chains
• Reduce reliance on imported second-hand vehicles
• Offer affordable, practical EVs for everyday use
• Contribute to Kenya's climate and emission reduction goals

The move also positions Kenya as a regional hub for EV manufacturing, with the potential to export vehicles across East Africa and beyond. By integrating local talent, industry partnerships, and clean-energy infrastructure, TAD Motors is setting the stage for a vibrant EV ecosystem on the continent.

The Road Ahead

The journey has only begun, but the energy at the launch was unmistakable. As TAD Motors ramps up for full-scale production, it plans to:

• Increase local content in EV manufacturing
• Provide after-sales support and service infrastructure
• Offer competitive pricing to make EVs accessible to a broader audience
• Expand its reach beyond Kenya, championing African-made innovation

Every prototype rolled out at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi represents a step toward a sustainable, locally empowered mobility future.

The prototype unveiling is more than a celebration of technology—it's a declaration of intent. Kenya is ready. Africa is ready. The future of mobility is electric, and it will be built here, on African soil, for African people.

TAD Motors isn't just making vehicles, it's driving a movement, proving that innovation, sustainability, and local ingenuity can redefine mobility for the continent.