FIeetCast - Fleet Intelligence

First on the road: Spenza Limited becomes the first fleet in Kenya to deploy the new MAN TG3 trucks

In Kenya’s transport and logistics sector, Spenza Limited has once again demonstrated that leadership by becoming the first company in the country to take delivery of the new generation MAN ...TG3 trucks from Mobikey Kenya.

The official handover marks more than the arrival of new vehicles. It represents a commitment to operational excellence, higher fleet efficiency, improved driver comfort, enhanced safety, and lower total cost of ownership. It also reflects the confidence that leading fleet operators continue to place in MAN Trucks as a premium commercial vehicle brand.

For Mobikey Kenya, the milestone is equally significant. As the authorized distributor of MAN Trucks in Kenya, the company continues to strengthen its position as a partner that delivers world class transport solutions backed by professional aftersales support, genuine parts availability, technical expertise, and long term customer relationships. The delivery of the first MAN TG3 trucks in Kenya signals the beginning of a new chapter for heavy commercial transport in the country.

The MAN TG3 series represents the latest evolution of MAN’s heavy duty truck platform. Designed for demanding transport operations, the trucks incorporate significant improvements in fuel efficiency, digital connectivity, driver ergonomics, safety systems, and vehicle uptime. The cab has been redesigned to provide a more comfortable working environment for drivers, while advanced assistance systems contribute to safer and more productive fleet operations.Show More

First on the road: Spenza Limited becomes the first fleet in Kenya to deploy the new MAN TG3 trucks

In Kenya’s transport and logistics sector, Spenza Limited has once ...

Oniva Motors Is Rethinking Automotive Manufacturing for Africa

For decades, Africa's automotive industry has largely been defined by ...

For decades, Africa's automotive industry has largely been defined by imported vehicles. Whether new or used, most of the continent's transport systems rely on products designed for other markets, other ...roads, and other operating conditions. Oniva Motors is challenging that model.

Rather than adapting foreign vehicles to African realities, Oniva Motors is building vehicles specifically for Africa. The company designs rugged passenger and light utility vehicles engineered for the continent's road conditions, climate, maintenance environments, and transport needs. Its focus is on intercity passenger transport and light commercial mobility, sectors that remain underserved despite growing demand.

What distinguishes Oniva Motors is not only the vehicles themselves but also its manufacturing philosophy. Instead of pursuing billion dollar automotive plants that require enormous production volumes to become viable, the company advocates a network of capital efficient micro factories capable of serving regional markets. This approach aims to lower investment barriers while creating local jobs, strengthening domestic supply chains, and enabling production closer to customers.

Equally notable is the company's product development process. Before finalizing production designs, Oniva Motors conducted extensive field research with transport operators, mechanics, and passengers, incorporating their feedback into vehicle engineering. The result is a design philosophy that begins with how Africans actually move people and goods, rather than assuming that vehicles built for other markets will automatically fit African conditions.

As Africa's population and demand for mobility continue to grow, the debate is shifting from simply importing vehicles to building an indigenous automotive industry. Oniva Motors represents one of a new generation of manufacturers seeking to prove that Africa can move beyond being one of the world's largest automotive markets to becoming one of its producers. If successful, the company could contribute not only to improved transportation but also to industrial development, skills transfer, and greater economic value creation across the continent.Show More

Peter Hafmar, Head, Group Autonomous Product Management, TRATON, on Scania’s approach to autonomy

You can read Peter's opinion in our special report on Automated ...

Volvo CE supports Portland Group's quarry operations in South Africa

In demanding quarrying environments where uptime, predictability and ...

Munzer Kenya Highlights Biofuel Potential and Decarbonization Opportunities

Beryl Opembe of Munzer Kenya spoke at the Sugarcane Transporters Fleet ...

DTB Showcases Flexible Asset Finance Solutions for Agricultural Transporters

Charles Nyoro, Chief Manager, Asset Finance and Leasing at Diamond ...

Diamond Trust Bank at the Sugarcane Transporters Fleet Management Seminar

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting Kenya's transport and ...

AFL Consolidates Position as Leading Caltex Manufacturing and Distribution Hub in East Africa

Africa Fuels & Lubricants Ltd (AFL) has firmly established itself as a ...

Africa Fuels & Lubricants Ltd (AFL) has firmly established itself as a leading player in East Africa’s lubricants industry, anchoring Chevron’s Caltex brand through a fully integrated manufacturing and distribution ...partnership that spans multiple markets across the region.

AFL, part of the Tristar Group ecosystem, operates as a licensed Caltex partner responsible for the local blending, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of Caltex-branded lubricants in East Africa. The company plays a central role in Chevron’s regional downstream strategy, which has progressively shifted toward localization of production and closer-to-market supply chains.

The partnership between AFL and Chevron Brands International dates back to 2013, when AFL was appointed as an authorized distributor of Caltex lubricants in East Africa. At the time, the company’s role focused on importing finished products, building distribution networks, and expanding Caltex’s presence in key markets including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

That initial distribution platform provided the foundation for Caltex’s wider regional growth, particularly in the automotive, commercial transport, and industrial sectors where demand for high-performance lubricants has continued to rise.

The relationship has since evolved into a more advanced licensing and manufacturing model following a long-term agreement with Chevron Brands International. Under this structure, AFL now undertakes local blending and manufacturing of Caltex lubricants in East Africa, while continuing to manage distribution and market execution across the region.

The licensing framework covers Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, positioning AFL as a key production and supply hub for Caltex in the region.

Chevron retains ownership of the Caltex brand and provides product technology, formulation standards, and technical oversight. AFL is responsible for manufacturing operations, regional logistics, and commercial execution, ensuring that Caltex products are produced closer to demand centres and delivered more efficiently across fragmented East African markets.

Industry observers view this model as part of a broader global shift by major lubricant brands toward localized manufacturing partnerships in high-growth regions, aimed at improving supply chain resilience, pricing competitiveness, and market responsiveness.

AFL’s competitive position is further strengthened by its integration within the wider Tristar Group logistics network, which provides access to storage infrastructure, transport systems, and regional distribution capabilities. This enables the company to maintain consistent product availability across both coastal and inland markets.

Today, AFL operates as a fully established manufacturing and distribution hub for Caltex lubricants in East Africa, with a portfolio that includes flagship products such as Delo for heavy-duty diesel engines, Havoline for passenger vehicles, and a range of industrial lubricants serving manufacturing, mining, and transport sectors.

With its manufacturing base anchored in Kenya and an expanding regional footprint, AFL continues to play a pivotal role in the development of East Africa’s lubricants value chain, combining Chevron’s global brand strength with localized production and regional execution capability.

The development underscores the strategic importance of localization in Africa’s downstream energy sector, where sustained growth in transport, infrastructure development, and industrial activity continues to drive demand for reliable, high-performance lubricants.Show More

Supporting Farmers with Hauliage: Mahindra Haul Master Tractor

Simba Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya's ...

Simba Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya's sugar industry through mechanization solutions, with the company showcasing the Mahindra Haul Master tractor during the Sugar Transporters Seminar held in ...Kisumu.

Speaking at the event, Dennis Musungu, Business Head, Agri Division at Simba Corporation, highlighted the growing role of the Mahindra Haul Master in improving efficiency within the sugar value chain, particularly in cane transportation.

Musungu said the tractor has become a familiar sight across Kenya's sugar-growing regions, especially in Western Kenya, where it is widely used by farmers, transport contractors and sugar companies for hauling harvested cane from farms to collection centers and processing factories.

The Mahindra Haul Master has been specifically designed for demanding haulage applications. It combines power, durability and fuel efficiency, making it ideally suited for the rigorous operating conditions experienced in the sugar industry.

The tractor has gained significant popularity in key sugar-producing counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay, where transporters require reliable equipment capable of operating both in the fields and on public roads.

The Mahindra Haul Master delivers high torque for pulling heavy trailer combinations while maintaining competitive fuel consumption. The tractor features a partial synchromesh transmission with 15 forward and three reverse gears, hydrostatic power steering and oil-immersed brakes, enabling operators to achieve higher productivity while ensuring safety and ease of operation.

According to Musungu, the tractor's rugged construction, high ground clearance and superior traction enable it to perform effectively in muddy sugarcane fields and challenging terrain, conditions that are common during harvesting seasons.

Beyond sugarcane haulage, the Mahindra Haul Master is also used for transporting fertilizers, farm inputs, harvested produce, construction materials and water bowsers, making it a versatile asset for both agricultural and commercial applications.

Musungu noted that a key advantage for customers is the extensive aftersales support provided by Simba Corporation. Through its nationwide branch and dealer network, customers have access to genuine spare parts, factory-trained technicians and responsive service support, helping minimize downtime and maximize equipment availability.

"The combination of a dependable product and strong aftersales support has made the Mahindra Haul Master a preferred choice for many transporters operating within Kenya's sugar sector," he said.

Mahindra, the world's largest tractor manufacturer by volume, continues to expand its footprint in Kenya through its partnership with Simba Corporation as the company seeks to accelerate agricultural mechanization and improve productivity across the country's farming sector.Show More

Why Mahindra Scorpio Continues to Win Buyers in Kenya

Siva Kumar, Sales Manager for Mahindra at Simba Corporation, recently ...

Siva Kumar, Sales Manager for Mahindra at Simba Corporation, recently took delegates through the strengths of the Mahindra Scorpio range during the Sugarcane Transporters Seminar held on 17th April 2026 ...in Kisumu, Kenya.

In his presentation, Siva highlighted why the Mahindra Scorpio continues to be a preferred choice among fleet owners, agribusiness operators and commercial users across Kenya. Built to withstand demanding operating environments, the Scorpio range combines rugged construction, strong diesel performance, impressive fuel efficiency and excellent load-carrying capability, making it well suited for both on-road and off-road applications.

Whether operating in sugarcane growing regions, construction sites or rural transport corridors, the vehicle has earned a reputation for durability and reliability.Silva also underscored the importance of purchasing locally assembled vehicles. Mahindra vehicles assembled in Kenya not only support local manufacturing and employment creation, but also contribute to skills development within the country's automotive sector.

Local assembly further ensures that vehicles are configured to meet Kenyan operating conditions while guaranteeing faster parts availability and stronger after-sales support through Simba Corporation's nationwide dealer and service network.From a financial perspective, buyers of locally assembled vehicles also stand to benefit from favourable government policies aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing.

Kenya's automotive policy framework provides tax incentives and duty advantages for locally assembled vehicles, helping manufacturers remain competitive and, in many cases, enabling customers to access vehicles at a more attractive total cost of ownership compared to fully imported units.

For customers seeking peace of mind, Siva noted that Mahindra vehicles sold through Simba Corporation are backed by a manufacturer warranty of supported by trained technicians and a reliable supply of genuine spare parts across the country.

#Mahindra #MahindraScorpio #SimbaCorporation #LocallyAssembled #BuyKenyaBuildKenya #SugarcaneTransport #FleetManagement #CommercialVehicles #Agribusiness #KenyaAutomotive #Kisumu #TransportKenya #MadeInKenya #Mobility #FleetOperatorsShow More

BasiGo: Pioneering Electric Mobility in Kenya

BasiGo has emerged as one of the most significant pioneers shaping ...

BasiGo has emerged as one of the most significant pioneers shaping electric mobility in Kenya, particularly in the public transport sector where the transition from diesel-powered buses to electric fleets ...has historically faced cost, infrastructure, and financing barriers. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Nairobi, the company has introduced a model that goes beyond vehicle supply to address the full ecosystem required for electrification, including financing, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and fleet management support.

At the core of BasiGo’s approach is a pay-as-you-drive structure designed to reduce the high upfront cost that typically blocks adoption of electric buses in African markets. Instead of requiring operators to purchase buses outright at a premium, BasiGo enables them to acquire electric buses at a price comparable to diesel equivalents while paying a usage-based fee that covers the battery, charging, servicing, and software systems. This structure has been widely recognized as a practical adaptation of mobility-as-a-service principles to the realities of informal and semi-formal transport systems like Nairobi’s matatu and bus network. The company has also worked with financial institutions such as KCB Bank to unlock asset financing solutions that can cover up to 90 percent of the vehicle cost, further lowering entry barriers for operators.

BasiGo initially introduced electric buses imported from BYD Auto, including the 25-seater K6 and the larger E9 models, which were deployed in Nairobi in pilot operations beginning in 2022. These early deployments involved partnerships with established public transport operators such as Citi Hoppa, allowing the company to test performance under real urban operating conditions characterized by high mileage, congestion, and variable route demand. A key operational milestone was the establishment of charging and service infrastructure in Nairobi, which enabled overnight charging and centralized fleet maintenance. Unlike models that rely on public charging networks, BasiGo has deliberately built a controlled ecosystem of depots, charging stations, and service hubs tailored specifically for bus operations.

As demand has grown, the company has moved toward local assembly in Kenya through partnerships with local vehicle assembly firms, including Associated Vehicle Assemblers and other manufacturing partners. This shift has important implications for the local economy, including job creation, technical skills transfer, and the gradual development of Kenya as a regional hub for electric vehicle assembly and maintenance. It also aligns with broader policy and industrialization goals that encourage local manufacturing rather than full reliance on imports.

BasiGo’s growth has been supported by significant investment from both private and development finance institutions, including British International Investment, which has backed its efforts to scale electric bus deployment across Kenya and expand into neighboring markets such as Rwanda. The company has articulated ambitions to deploy hundreds and eventually more than a thousand electric buses across East Africa, positioning itself as a key enabler of mass transit electrification in the region. Its business model is anchored not only on environmental benefits but also on total cost of ownership economics, where lower fuel and maintenance costs of electric buses create long-term savings for operators despite higher initial capital requirements in conventional purchasing models.

Kenya provides a particularly strong foundation for BasiGo’s model due to its high share of renewable energy generation, with more than 90 percent of electricity coming from sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. This makes electric mobility significantly cleaner in lifecycle emissions compared to diesel alternatives, strengthening the environmental case for adoption. At the same time, the volatility of fuel prices has increased pressure on transport operators, making predictable electricity-based operating costs an attractive alternative.

Through its combination of financing innovation, infrastructure development, and local assembly, BasiGo has helped reposition Kenya as one of the leading early adopters of electric public transport in Africa. Its approach reflects a broader shift in the continent’s mobility landscape, where innovation is not limited to vehicle technology but extends to how transport systems are financed, operated, and integrated into energy infrastructure. By building a system tailored to local market realities rather than importing a developed-world model, BasiGo has played a foundational role in demonstrating that large-scale electric mobility in African cities is not only possible but commercially viable under the right ecosystem design.Show More

Hitachi Advances Zero-Emission Mining with Full Battery Dump Truck Trial in Zambia

Hitachi Construction Machinery has taken a significant step toward ...

Hitachi Construction Machinery has taken a significant step toward decarbonising large-scale mining operations following successful demonstrations of its first fully battery-powered dump truck at the Kansanshi Copper Mine in Zambia.

The ...field trial was conducted in partnership with First Quantum Minerals, the mine’s operator and a long-standing Hitachi customer with established experience in trolley-assisted haulage systems. The site’s existing overhead trolley infrastructure provided an ideal real-world setting for evaluating next-generation electrified mining equipment.

In a showcase event held in April, nearly 30 representatives from about 20 global mining companies—including participants from Canada, Finland, and Mongolia—observed the truck in active operation. The machine was also demonstrated charging dynamically via overhead trolley lines, and attendees were able to inspect the equipment at close range during stationary intervals.

The demonstration builds on an extended feasibility programme carried out between June 2024 and August 2025. During this period, the battery-electric haul truck covered over 4,000 kilometres while transporting more than 30,000 tonnes of material. Performance results reportedly met operational expectations throughout the trial.

A key enabler of the project’s environmental impact is Zambia’s energy mix, where approximately 92% of electricity is generated from hydropower. This allowed the system to operate with near-zero carbon emissions while also delivering benefits such as improved acceleration response and reduced noise compared to conventional diesel haulage equipment.

Alongside the battery truck, Hitachi presented a broader suite of mining technologies designed to support more efficient and sustainable operations. These included the EX5600-7E electric excavator, EH4000AC-3 trolley-assist haul trucks, and mining components such as buckets and dump bodies supplied by Bradken.

Digital solutions were also showcased, including Wenco’s fleet management systems and Hitachi’s LANDCROS Connect Insight platform, highlighting the increasing role of data-driven optimisation in modern mining operationsShow More

Commercial Fleet

Passenger Transport

MINING FLEET & EQUIPMENT

Agricultural

ENERGY IN MOBILITY

Fleet 100

Leaders in Asset Finance

Leaders in Leasing

Top Brands

Join I Commercial Fleet Managers Network

Commercial Fleet

Passenger Transport

MINING FLEET & EQUIPMENT

Agricultural

ENERGY IN MOBILITY

Fleet 100

Leaders in Asset Finance

Leaders in Leasing

Top Brands

Join I Commercial Fleet Managers Network

First on the road: Spenza Limited becomes the first fleet in Kenya to deploy the new MAN TG3 trucks