Ruto orders EVs from Tanzania
NAIROBI: KENYA’S President William Ruto has placed an order for two electric vehicles (EVs) from Tanzania’s motor company, marking a major milestone that highlights Tanzania’s strong performance at the 25th EAC SMEs Exhibition, where the country emerged overall winner.
The order is part of a total of eight vehicles secured by the company, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most innovative manufacturers of clean-energy automobiles.
The company, KAYPEE Motors, a firm specialising in the design and production of electric vehicles powered by clean energy, won the Best Exhibitor – EAC award in the environmental sustainability category.
The accolade recognises the company’s dedication to eco-friendly innovation, placing it among a select group of entrepreneurs championing environmental protection through advanced manufacturing.
The award was handed over during the Jua Kali exhibitions, which ended on November 16, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi coinciding with Tanzania’s special showcase day at the fair.
The 25th edition of the regional exhibition brought together more than 3,000 entrepreneurs from all eight EAC member states, displaying a broad spectrum of craftsmanship, creativity and technology.
Closing the event, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Industry and Trade praised the success of the exhibitions, which have now spanned 25 years since their launch in 1999.
He said the platform continues to build cohesion among member states and urged EAC governments to increase budget support for entrepreneurs so they can produce competitive products that meet the demands of both regional and international markets.
He further encouraged all governments to address trade barriers to unlock wider commercial opportunities.
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Emphasising the role of technology in modern enterprise, the Cabinet Secretary urged SMEs to embrace digital systems to grow their businesses and expand their markets beyond national borders.
EAC Deputy SecretaryGeneral for Finance and Administration, Annette Mutaawe, commended the strong turnout from all participating countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia.
Leading Tanzania’s delegation, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and People with Disabilities), Zuhura Yunus reaffirmed the sixth-phase government’s commitment under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to continue supporting entrepreneurs in raising productivity and product quality.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Bernard Kibesse, also celebrated the country’s robust presence, noting that 375 entrepreneurs from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar took part.
KAYPEE Motors’ Production Director, Rajab Hassan, attributed the firm’s win to a decade of refining its electric vehicle models.
He confirmed the eightcar demand generated at the fare including President Ruto’s two-car order and six from Kenyan citizens calling the achievement a victory for all Tanzanian entrepreneurs
