BJ-50 will sell at Ksh 450,000, mass production of the car is underway

The government has given a green light for the mass production of the four-wheeled Tuk-Tuks christened BJ50. Nyahururu based self-trained innovator Samwel Njogu, who is the brains behind the BJ50, said the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) scrutinised the vehicles and gave them a go-ahead two months ago. Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, November 16, Njogu said his dream of manufacturing a car has been achieved after his project was okayed. The Laikipia BJ-50 first hit headlines back in March 2019 when Laikipia County Government showcased two locally made cars at the Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga. The government had partnered with Sagak Auto Tech based in Laikipia county to commence the production of the vehicles. 

the car company got the partnership through Kenya Export Promotion and government’s Branding Agency whose mission is to brand Kenya, export Kenyan products and build Kenya. 

Speaking to the media on November 16, Njogu expressed his joy at finally seeing his lifelong dream come to life.

“I still can’t believe it, my dream to see my car, the BJ50 on the road has come true. I have already received number plates for the completed units,” the overjoyed 39-year-old stated. 

He went on to reveal that some units were already cruising around the streets of Nyahururu, with clients preferring his BJ50 due to its increased load capacity.

The locally assembled car can carry up to 6 passengers at a time.

Despite dropping out of school after class 8 due to financial constraints, Njogu held on to his dream of making his own car from scratch.

He sourced parts from scrap yards and garages and assembled the first BJ50, which he used to ferry residents in his home town of Nyahururu.

According to Njogu, the cost of making one tuk-tuk is Ksh 300,000 thus they would have to sell one vehicle for Ksh 450,000.

To cut down on costs, they were sourcing items such as tyres, ball joints and shock absorbers locally.

Njogu has employed 15 people at his assembly line and now, with the approval for mass production, thousands of youth in Laikipia County are expected to get quality employment.

Increased capacity at Njogu’s shop will translate into job opportunities for the locals.