Players in Kenya’s automotive sector have pushed back against the proposed National Automotive Industry Development Bill, 2025, terming it punitive and poorly informed by stakeholder input.
Speaking during a public participation session held at the Agricultural Training Centre in Kisii, vehicle importers and other industry actors said the draft law was crafted without meaningful consultation. They accused the government of excluding key players such as car importers, small-scale mechanics, garage owners and artisans whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
Car Importers Association of Kenya (CIAK) chairperson Peter Otieno said the bill, in its current form, fails to address the realities of the industry and should be sent back to the drawing board.
“This proposal does not represent the views of the people it will affect the most,” Otieno said in a televised interview. “It has been rejected and must be withdrawn so that it can be reworked in a way that is inclusive and fair to all players.”
Participants at the forum warned that if passed without major amendments, the legislation could disrupt businesses, increase the cost of vehicle ownership and push small operators out of the market.
They called on lawmakers and the relevant ministries to reopen consultations and engage broadly with industry stakeholders before tabling the bill in Parliament, insisting that any automotive policy must balance regulation with economic sustainability.
