Roam Raises Local Content in Electric Motorcycles to 40%

Nairobi, Kenya (Oct 2) – Electric motorcycle maker Roam has boosted the proportion of locally manufactured parts in its Roam Air model to 40% by value, aiming to cut production costs and reliance on imported components. Over 50 components, sourced from more than a dozen Kenyan and Tanzanian suppliers, contribute to this shift, which has reduced replacement part wait times from 18 weeks to just two.

Replacing a locally made space tank now costs around 40% less than when imported, potentially lowering maintenance expenses and downtime for motorcycle taxi operators.

This localization strategy aligns with Kenya's broader efforts to foster domestic manufacturing and build electric vehicle supply chains. Yet, it remains uncertain whether the cost savings will result in more affordable motorcycles. Roam's goal is to reach a 50-50 balance between locally produced and internationally sourced components.

Habib Lukaya, Roam's country manager, expressed plans to extend local sourcing to African suppliers as production scales up. "Our vision is to have a 50-50 split, with half of the Roam Air assembled locally and half imported," he stated.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers welcomed deeper local sourcing, believing it could strengthen local suppliers and build technical capacity. Tobias Alando, Chief Executive of the association, noted that increased local production can generate employment, develop technical skills, and foster stronger regional supply chains. Looking ahead, the focus should be on advancing the value chain and ensuring the growth of e-mobility benefits broader industrial development.

This move also precedes the East African Community's Assembling and Manufacturing of Products Regulations, which will take effect in July 2027. These rules establish a framework for sourcing raw materials, parts, and components within the regional bloc. Kenya has already implemented localization requirements for motorcycle assemblers receiving duty remission, including sourcing specific local parts.

However, expanding domestic production will depend on suppliers' ability to meet manufacturers' quality, supply volume, and pricing standards. Roam already supplies locally manufactured helmets, rims, mirrors, body panels, and electrical components to riders beyond its own network, signaling a potential market beyond electric motorcycles.