German auto giant Volkswagen has restarted assembly of its models in Kenya at the Thika plant of Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), signaling a renewed effort to capture a share of the local market previously dominated by used imports.

• KVM is now producing three Volkswagen models: the Touareg, Tiguan, and T-Cross.
• The Thika plant, partly owned by CFAO Mobility Kenya, previously saw Volkswagen attempt a market entry in 2016 with the Polo Vivo, following an earlier halting of production for the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1970s.
• This renewed push aims to position Kenya as a regional assembly hub for East Africa, create jobs, and foster opportunities for local parts suppliers.