Q&A: AVA boss speaks on electric car assembly in Kenya

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Kenyan motor vehicle assembler Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd (AVA) has the capacity to produce 10,000 EVs per year, Managing Director Matt Lloyd tells Mobility Rising in an interview. The company is currently working with 13 EV clients, says Mr Lloyd. Although between 85–90% of the assembly process is similar to that of fuel vehicles, AVA opted for a dedicated EV line. 

• Mr Lloyd has been Managing Director at AVA for nearly five years, a period marked by increasing interest in EVs. He was previously Chief Officer of Shared Services at Simba Corporation and now leads AVA’s EV assembly initiatives.

• AVA observed that many new EV players lacked local expertise and were considering establishing their own costly manufacturing facilities. To reduce entry barriers, AVA introduced contract assembly, enabling OEMs to test the Kenyan market with minimal risk or upfront investment, says Mr Lloyd.

More details

What is the current capacity of AVA’s EV assembly line and how does it compare to the internal combustion engine (ICE) line?
Mr Lloyd: AVA has a production capacity of 30,000 fuel vehicles and 10,000 EVs annually. While 85–90% of the assembly process is similar between the two, AVA chose to build a dedicated EV line. This was done to prioritise safety due to high-voltage components in EVs. The EV line includes specific equipment for battery and drivetrain installation. It also features advanced testing tools to meet OEM quality standards. The separation ensures a safer and more focused production environment for EVs.

Why did AVA decide to invest in a dedicated EV assembly line, and what strategic approach guided this transition?
Mr Lloyd: AVA noticed that new EV players lacked local knowledge and considered building their own costly plants. Instead, AVA offered contract assembly as a low-risk, cost-effective entry point. This helps companies test the market before making big investments. AVA also responded to concerns about the lobby to allow duty-free EV imports, which could undermine local industry. Our model promotes job creation and local part manufacturing. The phased transition through KD1, KD2, and KD3 ensures sustainable market growth.

What partnerships and projects is AVA currently involved in within the EV space?
Mr Lloyd: AVA is working with about 13 potential EV clients, including ePure, Moja EV, and Simba Corporation. ePure will be the first to deliver EV kits for assembly, expected by September. Past collaborations include support for BasiGo’s initial rollout and assembling electric golf carts and three-wheelers. AVA is also in talks with other companies for both city buses and electric matatus. Although BasiGo now works with KVM, AVA remains open to future partnerships. The company's diverse project pipeline demonstrates its central role in Kenya’s EV transition.

How is AVA addressing the skills gap in EV assembly, and what training programs are in place?
Mr Lloyd: All new AVA technicians go through a six-month training program that includes theory, shadowing, and hands-on experience. The company also offers refresher training for existing staff and upskilling for new models. AVA works with technical institutes like Technical University of Mombasa and Thika Technical for dual-training programs. Students alternate between college and practical internships at AVA over two years. This pipeline supplies skilled labour, especially in the EV segment. Many of these trainees have been hired full-time by AVA.

What legislative and technical requirements govern EV assembly in Kenya, and how does AVA navigate them?

Mr Lloyd: Kenyan regulations under Legal Notice 84 allow SKD (KD1) assembly for two years, after which Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must progress to KD2 and eventually KD3. Each level requires increasing local input, from simple assembly to full welding and painting. AVA helps companies navigate these transitions by offering its 50 years of assembly expertise. The process supports job creation and increases technical capacity in the country. AVA’s infrastructure and compliance make it a strategic partner for any OEM entering the region. Our experience ensures a smooth progression through regulatory stages.

What challenges does AVA anticipate in scaling EV assembly, and what solutions are being explored?

Mr Lloyd: Lack of infrastructure, particularly charging stations, is a key challenge for EV adoption. AVA also emphasizes the importance of after-sales service and maintenance, especially for new EV startups. To address this, AVA is working on solar-powered charging station projects with a US partner. These off-grid stations will target rural and public spaces like police posts and bus stops. They aim to reduce dependence on the national grid and lower total cost of ownership. Infrastructure will determine how fast EVs spread beyond major cities.

What is AVA’s outlook on the future of EV assembly in Kenya and the wider East African region?

Mr Lloyd: AVA expects EV assembly volumes to rise significantly over the next 3–5 years, starting with simple SKD kits. As the industry matures, assembly will shift toward more complex KD2 and KD3 levels. Kenya is well-positioned to become a regional hub due to AVA’s decades of experience and high-quality standards. The company sees the biggest opportunity in public service vehicles like matatus and city buses. Projects in cities like Mombasa are already in development. AVA’s flexibility, quality, and infrastructure make it a key player in shaping East Africa’s EV future.