Kenya has a very active motoring history. We love our cars and they hold a special place in our hearts. Certain cars have been instrumental in shaping our lives and our history
Most +ve, some -ve. All instrumental - below are some of the examples
The FH215 also coincided with crucial support from Min of Finance who loosened banking laws to allow banks to easily lend to Businesses.
Bank Asset Finance was defined by this vehicle.
ISUZU TX DI Tipper
This lorry was and still is the epitome of toughness. Word on the street is Isuzu TX was so tough and rugged that it never seemed to die. This fact affected future ISUZU sales and Isuzu swore to never make another Indestructible
NISSAN MINIBUS (Caravan/homy)
Any 14 seater ma3 in Kenya, be it a Toyota Hiace or Nissan Caravan/Homy is called a “Nissan”.
Now, There’s a vehicle in MSA PSV’S have refused to retire…
The Nissan E24 Caravan(Import) or Urvan(local by @NissanKenya) Man. frm 1989-2001. Last batch imported in 2008, 15 YRS AGO!
They range btwn 21-33 yrs old. Nissan has had 2 updates since then, the E25 & E26 (NV350)
TOYOTA AE95
The first Kenya uniform as far as cars are concerned. The AE95 was good looking, fuel efficient and tough as nails in potholed filled roads that was the Moi administration.
This car held its own and is still quite common back at shags
PEUGEOT 404/504/505 S.WAGON
This was the “Simba” of Africa. Standing on the 5 time, Rally Beating 404, it created its own niche. It was introduced in Kenya in 1968 and was in production till 2004. Outstanding!!!
It was the Prado of the 90’s, the car of choice for Parastatal & Corp heads
ICONIC OWNERS
1.WEPESI - PSV 504/505 Peugeots that were constantly trying to break the land speed record on their way to either MSA or KSM frm NRB or back
2.FLYING SQUAD- If you found yourself in these in the 90’s you’re going to Nyati Hse
SCANIA BUS F360
The first bus that was “silently powerful” able to comfortably do highway speeds and have car like suspension rather than the common lorry suspension
Night travel with reclining seats & sound sleep was now achievable. Msa, Ksm & Kampla overnight.
SUBARU GC8 WRX
This car started the now vibrant “boy racer” craze in the 2000’s. After Colin McRae’s 1997 win in the Safari Rally. This was a must-have car for raw speed. It made gold rims & massive spoilers cool
And due to its little known status was very very affordable.
TOYOTA PROBOX
No car has singlehandedly changed people’s fortunes in under a year as the probox has. In the early 10’s Probox entrepreneurs were known to double their networth in only a year after acquiring a probox. A link as to why it did so well.
CATERPILLAR GRADER
No other vehicle signified changing of transport hassles more than the original grader, “Catapillar”
As kids we would sit by the road and marvel at its abilities. It was not only impressive but much needed when most rural roads were gravel…
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
A simple but uncomfortable front axle, a 4.2 ltr I6 1HZ engine, a rear diff with indestructible leaf springs, 2 fuel tanks, seats and a dashboard for the miraa…
TOYOTA HILUX
The single cab over decades has been the most influential pickup in Kenya’s history. Ferried groceries to towns, Miraa, mjengo cement & sand and the double cab, a tough dependable family man pickup…
MERCEDES BENZ 600 PULLMAN
Said to be both Mzee Jomo’s & Moi’s favourite car, the Mercedes Benz 600 was the epitome of affluence. Most dictators had one.
It was the first stretch limo most Kenyans ever saw and truly befitting of any megalomaniac..
TOYOTA CELICA GT4 TURBO
My favourite Rally Car.
There’re a lot of reasons why I adore this car but due to space I’ll say this car has transcended generations without most of us being aware it has always been with us and Ian Duncan won the 42 Safari Rally with it
UBER TRIO: VITZ, DEMIO & FIT
The Three hatchback Musketeers of affordable taxi services made it OK for people to actually own small, fuel efficient cars.
Before Uber, you either had to be a teen or a lady to own a hatchback. Now Guys & families are driving them unfazed
MITSUBISHI FUSO INTERCOOLER
Before 2007, The great North, roughly 50% of kenya’s land mass, was gravel
However, people & goods still had to travel from the North to “Kenya” and the vehicle of choice was lorries, specifically the Mitsubishi Fuso Intercooler…
