This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
On August 25, 2021, the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) announced that it had licensed six units of the Laikipia-made four-wheel tuk tuk.
The tuk tuks, which have been undergoing tests and inspections by the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the last six months, have been issued with number plates and logbooks, allowing them to operate on public roads.
The revelation was made in an inter-agency virtual meeting co-chaired by Principal Secretary State Department for Infrastructure Paul Maringa, Laikipia, NTSA officials, and Governor Ndiritu Muriithi.
According to Sagak Tech Enterprises Ltd Chief Operating Officer Wallace Kariuki, the milestone is a result of concerted efforts from the county government and other government agencies involved in the certification and licensing of locally manufactured products.
Mr. Samuel Njogu, the brains behind the four-wheel tuk tuks, expressed his excitement, saying that the licensing means he can now comfortably take deposits from interested customers who are assured that the automobiles are fully licensed by NTSA.
The tuk tuks, which are powered by a 150cc motorcycle engine, can carry up to seven passengers and have a luggage capacity of 800 kilogrammes. They sell at Sh450,000, with the cost of making one unit being Sh300,000.
Mr. Njogu also announced that his firm has unveiled a pick-up model that is fuel-efficient and can carry loads of up to one tonne, which is set to benefit the local transport industry for hardware, supermarkets, hotels, and other merchants in the retail and wholesale trade.
