Isuzu East Africa launches locally assembled mu-X luxury SUVs
CS for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, is taken through the interior of the newly launched locally assembled Isuzu mu-X luxury SUV by Board Chair and Managing Director, Isuzu East Africa, Rita Kavashe on February 2, 2026. Photo/Isuzu
Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) has launched the locally assembled Isuzu mu-X luxury SUVs, a move expected to boost Kenya’s automotive manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position as a regional production hub.
Assembly of the mu-X began in November 2025 at the Isuzu EA Nairobi plant, enabling the company to achieve a fully locally assembled product portfolio. The model is now being introduced to the Kenyan and wider East African market.
Isuzu EA noted that the local production of the mu-X aligns with national and regional priorities, including the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya policy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aim to promote local manufacturing and value addition.
Chair of the Board and Managing Director Rita Kavashe stated that strong customer confidence had enabled the company to localise production of the premium SUV. She noted that assembling the vehicle locally would improve availability while making it more affordable.
“Because of the trust and loyalty of our customers, we are now able to bring the mu-X closer to them, locally assembled to ensure better availability, competitive pricing, and a vehicle built specifically for their driving needs and lifestyle,” Kavashe noted.
The locally assembled mu-X will be available in two variants. The 1.9-litre model will retail at Sh8.9 million, while the 3.0-litre variant will retail at Sh9.9 million, compared to the previous price of Sh13.5 million.
Kavashe attributed the price reduction to tax incentives associated with local assembly, noting that the incentives had resulted in a 27 per cent drop in prices while retaining key safety and convenience features.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the launch as a key milestone in Kenya’s industrialisation drive. He observed that local assembly helps retain value within the economy by creating jobs and strengthening the SME supplier base.
“Buy Kenya, Build Kenya is about increasing preference for Kenyan goods and services and driving expenditure that supports local production,” Kinyanjui remarked.
Isuzu Motors International Operations President Junichi Kubo noted that Kenya had been selected as an exception to the mu-X’s original single global assembly hub in Thailand. He expressed confidence in the quality standards of the Nairobi plant, saying they match those of Isuzu’s mother facility.
The mu-X launch builds on Isuzu EA’s broader manufacturing strategy and is expected to support job creation, skills development and increased local value addition.