PROTON Exports First Batch Of Saga CKD Kits To Kenya

PROTON has expanded its international reach with Kenya being its new export market. The carmaker recently shipped its first batch of Saga CKD kits to the east African nation. The first batch consists of 30 units of the Proton Saga shipped as Completely Knocked Down kits. These kits will be assembled by Simba Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with a long history of sales and assembly experience in the automotive industry.

PROTON’s decision to export CKD kits of the Saga was made upon close consultation with Simba, its Kenyan partner. The local assembly of Proton vehicles will not only help spur the Kenyan automotive manufacturing sector, it will also lower taxes on the Protons.

“While strengthening PROTON’s domestic position is critical to truly be acknowledged as an international car maker, we need to see our products in places as diverse as Bangkok, Islamabad, Cairo and now, Nairobi. On a national level, this will also increase the value of trade between Malaysia and Kenya and help to contribute to the creation of jobs in Kenya’s automotive industry,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

Attending as guest of honour for the ceremonial flag-off ceremony was Kenyan High Commissioner for Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Francis N. Muhoro. During his address, Mr Muhoro explained how his country has a look East policy and his wish was for more Malaysian companies like PROTON to discover the investment opportunities in Kenya.

“Malaysia and Kenya share many similarities, from a colonial past to our efforts in developing our nations. PROTON’s entry in to the country is not just as an entry in to a market of 51 million people but it is also a gateway to a potential market of 1.3 billion inhabiting the African continent. Therefore, I am hopeful this will be just the start of more trade between our two nations,” said His Excellency.