Kenya’s Electric Mobility Sub-Sector within the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has recently undergone a significant development with the election of Hans van Toor, Roam’s head of strategy and innovation, as its new Chairperson. This appointment marks an important milestone in supporting Kenya’s goal to create a more sustainable and future-proof electric mobility industry.
A Focus on Local Manufacturing
The emphasis on local manufacturing is crucial for driving value creation and clean industry jobs within the sector. By focusing on building a robust and sustainable electric mobility sector, this initiative aims to spur both industrial growth and environmental sustainability. The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in this transformation due to its significant job creation potential, particularly through creating opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and expanding sustainable industry jobs.
New Leadership Team
The election of Hans van Toor as Chairperson is accompanied by the appointment of Matt Lloyd, Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd. (AVA)’s Managing Director, as Vice-Chairperson. This new leadership team will prioritize local manufacturing and develop a robust supply chain for electric vehicles and associated technologies. Their approach aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
Kenya currently faces challenges in meeting its target due to reliance on imports. The new leadership aims to strengthen local manufacturing, reducing the country’s dependence on imported goods and positioning it as a regional leader in electric mobility. Hans van Toor expressed his excitement about this pivotal moment for Kenya’s electric mobility sector, stating that with the right policies, investments, and collaboration across the sector, Kenya can maintain its lead position.
A Roadmap to Success
The Electric Mobility Sub-Sector plans to work towards establishing a legal framework and providing guidance on processes that foster local industries’ growth. This includes creating open participation platforms to ensure all stakeholders in Kenya’s electric mobility manufacturing sector are represented. The new leadership team has committed itself to aligning the sector’s growth with Kenya’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Kenya strives to enhance its global competitiveness, reduce transport emissions, and deliver sustainable economic benefits through its electric mobility sector. Hans van Toor emphasized that it is essential for not only a few stakeholders but all parties involved in driving this roadmap forward. The new leadership team has affirmed their commitment to positioning Kenya as a leader in the region’s electric mobility transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the election of Hans van Toor and Matt Lloyd marks an important step towards achieving Kenya’s goals in creating a sustainable and future-proof electric mobility industry. Their focus on local manufacturing will drive value creation, clean industry jobs, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability within the sector. The new leadership team is committed to aligning the sector’s growth with Kenya’s long-term economic objectives, ensuring that the country remains well-positioned to lead in the region’s transition towards electric mobility.
