Chinese automaker Jetour, a brand under the Chery Group, has officially entered the Kenyan market, unveiling four all-new sport utility vehicles (SUVs) — the Jetour T2, Jetour Dashing, Jetour X70 Plus, and Jetour T1 — at a high-profile launch event in Nairobi.
The entry of Jetour, under the local distributorship of Global Motors Centre Limited, marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s automotive industry, combining luxury, innovation, and performance in vehicles tailored for the country’s roads and lifestyles. The company also announced plans to establish local assembly operations, expected to create jobs, transfer skills, and support the government’s push for industrial growth and clean mobility.
“Jetour is more than a car brand — it’s a commitment to progress,” said Ali Zubedi, Executive Managing Director of Global Motors Centre Limited. “As we begin local assembly, we’re creating jobs, building skills, and strengthening Kenya’s automotive ecosystem. Our mission is to make world-class SUVs accessible to every Kenyan household.”
A New Era for Kenya’s Automotive Market
Jetour’s entry comes at a time when Kenya’s automotive sector is experiencing renewed momentum, driven by government policies promoting local manufacturing, electric mobility, and value addition.
The launch of Jetour’s SUV lineup reflects growing consumer demand for vehicles that combine robust performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced connectivity suited to both urban and off-road conditions.
“Kenya is ready for vehicles that combine elegance, reliability, and innovation,” said Farooq Sheikh, Managing Director of Jetour Kenya. “Jetour brings a modern mobility experience that matches our local landscape and lifestyle — from rugged terrains to urban commutes.”
The company’s four debut models cater to distinct segments of the Kenyan market, from adventure enthusiasts to urban professionals and family drivers.
The Jetour Lineup
The Jetour T2 stands out as a high-performance off-road SUV, engineered for challenging terrains. Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, BorgWarner four-wheel drive system, and a 700mm wading depth, the T2 is built for durability and versatility, making it suitable for Kenya’s diverse landscapes — from rural roads to safari trails.
The Jetour Dashing, a sleek and futuristic SUV, targets Kenya’s urban drivers. Its aerodynamic design, AI-assisted driving features, and digital cockpit interface appeal to tech-savvy professionals seeking both sophistication and intelligence in a daily-use vehicle.
The Jetour X70 Plus, the brand’s global bestseller, offers a seven-seat configuration, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. Designed for families, it combines smart connectivity, premium comfort, and fuel-efficient performance, positioning it as a versatile choice for Kenyan households.
The Jetour T1, a compact SUV, blends youthful design with practicality. Its high ground clearance and enhanced connectivity make it ideal for first-time SUV owners and young urban drivers who want a balance between style, agility, and affordability.
Together, the four models embody Jetour’s “Travel+” philosophy — vehicles engineered to empower exploration, inspire confidence, and deliver reliability across both urban and rural environments.
Local Assembly and Job Creation
A key highlight of Jetour’s Kenyan debut is its commitment to local assembly. According to Global Motors Centre Limited, plans are underway to establish assembly operations in Kenya, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and boosting the country’s manufacturing capacity.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Vision 2030 industrialisation agenda and policies under the National Automotive Policy, which encourage carmakers to assemble locally rather than import fully built units.
“The plan by Jetour to set up a local assembly operation, aiming to create hundreds of jobs, enhance skills transfer, and support Kenya’s Vision 2030 industrialisation and clean mobility goals, is directly aligned with government efforts to promote sustainable transport and local value addition,” said Prof. Erastus Gatebe, Industrialisation Secretary at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Jetour’s investment is expected to stimulate growth in automotive components manufacturing, dealer networks, and after-sales services, further strengthening the ecosystem for local car production.
Kenya as a Strategic African Hub
Andy Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, described Kenya as a strategic hub for Jetour’s African expansion.
“Kenya is a strategic market for Jetour in Africa. Its vibrant economy, innovation, and youthful population make it the perfect hub for our long-term growth and for advancing our goals on sustainable mobility,” Yuan said.
Kenya’s growing middle class, improved infrastructure, and expanding credit access have created a favorable environment for automakers targeting both the domestic and regional markets. Nairobi’s role as a logistics and financial hub also makes it a launchpad for continental operations.
Jetour joins a growing list of Chinese and international automotive brands that have set up in Kenya, including Chery, BYD, and Great Wall Motors, each seeking to tap into the region’s rising demand for affordable and technologically advanced vehicles.
Technology, Comfort, and Safety
Jetour’s vehicles feature state-of-the-art driver assistance and safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision mitigation, and 360-degree cameras. The cabins are equipped with digital instrument panels, touchscreen infotainment systems, and premium sound options designed to appeal to modern consumers.
The interiors reflect a blend of luxury and practicality, with materials and ergonomics designed for comfort on long drives. The company says it has tailored features for Kenya’s road conditions, including higher ground clearance, reinforced suspension systems, and improved dust and heat resistance.
Global Presence and Local Vision
Founded in 2018, Jetour has rapidly become a major player in the global SUV market. The brand has sold over one million vehicles worldwide, with operations spanning Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and now Africa.
Its parent company, Chery Group, is one of China’s top automotive manufacturers and a pioneer in electric vehicle innovation and hybrid technologies. Through Jetour, Chery aims to expand its footprint in Africa by offering a blend of advanced technology, stylish design, and localized service networks.
Jetour’s expansion into Kenya also aligns with its global mission of sustainable mobility, as it plans to introduce hybrid and electric models in African markets over the coming years.
“This is just the beginning,” said Sheikh. “We’re not only introducing vehicles — we’re building an ecosystem that will evolve with Kenya’s growing mobility needs.”
The company said local dealerships will begin accepting orders for the new SUVs immediately, with deliveries scheduled to start before the end of the year.
