Twenty one Motorcycles companies have partnered to launch the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya Limited (MAAK). The Assemblers’ Association will serve as a collective voice of its members, safeguard justified rights of motorcycle Assemblers, promote safe and lawful Motorcycle Culture in Kenya and play its part in economic development of Kenya through increased Employment and Revenue generation.
MAAK aims to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas in which interested motorcycle Manufacturers and Exporters may identify, discuss and pursue common interests related to their commercial activities in the country.
The Assemblers’ Association will also offer guidance to members on various government policies with respect to business, banking, taxation, record keeping, and technical aspects of their products especially maintaining and improving the quality in line with economy so as to meet the competition and keep up with international standard requirements.
Dr. Isaac Kalua who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Association noted that MAAK is looking to use Kenya as the launching pad for its business growth into the regional common market, reaffirming Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s economic hub.
From 2007 to date, the motorcycle industry has seen tremendous growth, from about 16, 000 units to over 100,000 units.
The Association is planning to unveil a 10 years road map that will sustain the market growth and deliver on customers’ expectations. Through this, the Association plans to work with key Stakeholders to assemble 35 per cent of motorcycle parts in Kenya starting to capture the growing demand for bikes in the country. MAAK also plans to work closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other government agencies to increase safety awareness and other safety initiatives to make motorcycle riding a safer and viable option.
The motorcycle industry continues to be one of the promising sectors, with a huge contribution to the country’s economy. Last year alone, the industry contributed over Sh.2.2 billion in form of direct taxes only. Through its assembly plants and distribution network, the industry also continues to offer employment opportunities to over 100,000 Kenyans as per its planned road map. Motorbikes, especially those plying the trade popularly known as ‘boda boda’, have become an important feature in Kenya’s transport sector, most importantly creating jobs to many Kenyan youths especially in the rural areas.
Currently on average 8 million people are riding these boda boda’s every day in Kenya. The boda boda’s sector generates on average KSH 400,000,000 a day, this gives an indication of the contribution the boda boda sector makes in Kenya’s economic and social landscape.