BYD, through its official distributor CFAO Mobility Kenya, has delivered a new fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles to support corporate mobility adoption in Kenya, in a transaction involving Avenue Group and SBM Bank Kenya.
The handover took place recently, in Nairobi, Kenya and comprised five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: one BYD Shark 6 pickup and four BYD Sealion 6 SUVs. The vehicles were delivered to Avenue Group, which is facilitating a leasing arrangement for SBM Bank Kenya as part of its fleet modernization and emissions reduction strategy.
The ceremony was led by Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes, General Manager of BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya, who described the deployment as an important milestone for the introduction of new energy vehicles in Kenya’s corporate sector. In remarks made during the handover and shared through official company communications, he noted that the partnership reflects increasing institutional confidence in hybrid and electric mobility solutions, adding that “leading institutions embracing new energy vehicles signals a clear acceleration in the transition toward cleaner transport systems in the country.”
From the receiving end, SBM Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Bhartesh Shah confirmed that the adoption of BYD’s plug-in hybrid fleet is directly linked to the bank’s sustainability agenda and operational efficiency goals. He stated that the introduction of the vehicles enables the bank to modernize its logistics operations while significantly reducing carbon emissions, framing the shift as part of a broader commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term cost efficiency.
Avenue Group, which structured the leasing arrangement, said through its senior management that the move reflects a growing demand among corporate clients for flexible mobility solutions that do not require heavy upfront capital investment. The company emphasized that leasing plug-in hybrid vehicles allows organizations to transition toward lower-emission transport while maintaining operational continuity and financial flexibility.
The fleet itself combines two distinct BYD technologies. The Shark 6 pickup is built on a dual-mode off-road plug-in hybrid system designed for demanding operational environments, while the Sealion 6 SUVs use BYD’s DM-i architecture, which prioritizes fuel efficiency through electric-assisted driving and is suited for urban and intercity mobility applications.
The deployment aligns with Kenya’s national climate policy target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030, a framework that continues to influence procurement decisions across large organizations, particularly in the financial and services sectors. Corporate fleets have emerged as early adopters of electrified mobility due to the predictable cost savings associated with fuel reduction, maintenance efficiency, and structured lease cycles.
Industry observers, including CFAO Mobility Kenya management, have described the transaction as evidence of growing institutional readiness for hybrid and electric fleet integration. They note that models such as the Shark 6 and Sealion 6 are now entering African markets at a scale that allows corporates to move beyond pilot programs into full operational deployment.
The collaboration between BYD, CFAO Mobility Kenya, Avenue Group, and SBM Bank Kenya also reflects a broader shift in corporate mobility strategy in Kenya, where leasing structures are increasingly enabling the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies while reducing the financial barriers traditionally associated with fleet renewal.
