This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
Kenya's Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary, Charles Hinga, has announced that the supplier of the Mercedes Benz buses for the country's delayed bus rapid transit (BRT) system will set up a local assembly plant in Nairobi.
This move is expected to calm the nerves of local manufacturers who were concerned after the government chose a South African supplier despite pushing the 'Buy Kenya, Build Kenya' policy.
According to Mr Hinga, local suppliers have been given the required specifications for the BRT buses, and they can also supply the buses.
Mr Hinga did not specify whether it is Mercedes Benz that will set up the plant or another company authorized to fabricate the buses on behalf of the South African supplier.
Establishing a local assembly plant is set to be a big boost for the manufacturing pillar in the government's 'Big Four Agenda', as it will help develop local capacity and create jobs.
Additionally, assembling the buses locally will make repairs and maintenance less costly compared to importing them from South Africa.
Mr Hinga defended the extension of the bidding period for the tender to design and build infrastructure for the high-capacity buses, saying it would allow bidders more time for clarifications.
