The new car, which has been dubbed Doshi Safari is the modification of a prototype that failed to work in 2019.
Speaking to journalists, the two innovators explained that they had improvised the engine of a motorcycle to power the vehicle.
Like any other vehicle, the prototype which cost the two friends Ksh 90,000 to assemble, features a steering wheel, gear system and shock absorbers.
The car can comfortably carry two passengers and the body is assembled using metal sheets which gave the idea behind its nickname Doshi Safari.
One of the mechanics regretted that help from the government had not been forthcoming adding that the experiment had left him in Ksh 40,000 debt.
Though the car is not licensed to be on the road, the innovators stated that it had performed well during its test drive.
Residents were full of praise for the two mechanics who have now turned into local heroes.
The innovators are part of many Kenyans who have tried their hand at constructing their own motor vehicles.
Recently there were reports that the government was considering mass production of the BJ-50 car which was assembled in Laikipia County.
While the government has shown its commitment to helping the manufacturing industry grow, a lot of the emphasis has been on vehicles that are ready for the market rather than building capacity for young innovators.
The phased development of the local motor assembly industry represents an ambitious target.
The Draft National Automotive Policy crafted by the Ministry of Industrialisation represents a deliberate attempt to put the industry on the road to a bright future.
While unveiling a locally assembled Peugeot SUV at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) plant in Thika last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta repeated his call to entities operating in Kenya to buy locally assembled vehicles and spare parts.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
