Kenya’s automobile industry has grown significantly, becoming essential to its infrastructure and economy. From its humble beginnings, the sector has expanded, with the story of the first car owner illustrating the early stages of this growth, laying the foundation for the rapid progress that followed.
Kenya received its first automobile in 1903, eight years after the official establishment of the colonial British East Africa Company.
The vehicle, a De Dion Bouton model, was owned by Australian road engineer George Wilson, who imported it from France through the Mombasa Port into Kenya
The De Dion Bouton model was not only one of the most popular cars globally but also a symbol of status and engineering excellence in Kenya and the broader East African region
George was one of the civil engineers assigned by the colonial government to build key highways in Kenya, including the critical road linking Mombasa to Mumias (Mumia).
It was hence fitting that he dared to navigate the rugged terrain considering the vehicle’s large size and the high costs associated with its maintenance.
Propelled by an 8cv single cylinder four stroke petrol engine, the vehicle was a marvel, with its interior design requiring passengers to sit in the front seats while facing the driver, who sat in the rear body rest.
George had not anticipated the challenges that would come with the automobile, but he was determined to get his machine on the road.
Despite being a road engineer, George Wilson did not know how to drive his imported car. Luckily, the car came with a manual, which his wife studied. She learned how to maintain the car, including adjusting the brass levers for the spark and fuel mixture and where to add oil and grease.
His second challenge was the scarcity of fuel, as there were no petrol stations in Kenya at the time. When he first received the car, he couldn’t start it for two days due to the lack of fuel. Once fuel became available, he had to carry jerrycans strapped to the back of his car for the journey.
Kenya’s rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure presented another major hurdle for George. With no garages available and the car being notoriously unreliable, it frequently broke down, leaving him stranded.
Reports suggest it took George Wilson 23 years to complete his first road trip from Mombasa to Nairobi, while during that time, Kenyans were already traveling by railway.
The lack of infrastructure in Kenya proved a challenge for engineers like George, helping foster the growth of the motor industry. This led to the construction of more earth roads linking key administrative centers, such as Nairobi-Fort Hall (Murang’a), Lumbwa-Kericho, Voi-Taveta, and Machakos-Athi River.
