President William Ruto has announced plans by Iran to set up a motor vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ruto said the plant will manufacture native Iranian vehicle models.
He said the vehicles have been given the Swahili name "Kifaru".
The announcement was made during an address alongside Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at State House, Nairobi.
"His Excellency Raisi conveyed to me information that will be good news for stakeholders in our mechanical and automotive sectors including dealers, engineers technicians and other workers. Iran's intention is to set up a motor vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa to manufacture an indigenous Iranian vehicle that has been given the Kiswahili name Kifaru. I am confident the project is unstoppable as this name suggests," Ruto said.
He noted that the partnership with Iran is an affirmation of the strong bond the people and government of Kenya share with the people and the government of Iran.
Ruto added that the five bilateral cooperation agreements signed on Wednesday between the two governments will lead to the growth of the two nations.
"This highly productive visit has been an excellent opportunity for us to renew and reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the governments and peoples of Kenya and Iran."
