CFAO Mobility Kenya has launched the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, introducing a locally assembled pickup designed to withstand Kenya’s demanding road and weather conditions while offering improved performance, fuel efficiency and comfort.
The new Hilux, unveiled in Nairobi on October 29, 2026, retains Toyota’s long-standing focus on Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), building on nearly six decades of global heritage and eight generations of service to Kenyan customers.
The vehicle is initially available in the 2.8-litre Double Cab automatic transmission, with Mid and High specifications retailing at KSh 7.87 million and KSh 10.84 million, respectively.
CFAO Mobility Kenya said the latest model has been tropicalised to suit local conditions, including heat, dust, rainfall and challenging terrain. The vehicle is also assembled locally, continuing the company’s commitment to Kenyan automotive manufacturing.
Hilux sales rise amid growing pickup demand
The launch comes amid an expansion in Kenya’s new vehicle market, with industry data for January to August 2026 indicating a 24.8 per cent increase in new vehicle sales to 10,944 units.
Pickups recorded the fastest growth among vehicle categories, rising 52.6 per cent to 2,949 units over the same period.
CFAO Mobility Kenya reported that Hilux sales increased by more than 20 per cent to 850 units during the eight-month period. The company also estimates that the Hilux Double Cab accounts for approximately one in every three Double Cab pickups sold in Kenya.
The pickup has remained a popular option among farmers, contractors, transport operators, entrepreneurs and corporate organisations that rely on vehicles to move goods, equipment and personnel.
Its market position is supported by demand from Kenya’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a significant role in employment and economic activity.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics figures cited by CFAO Mobility Kenya, the country has approximately 7.4 million MSMEs, providing close to 15 million jobs and contributing about 30 per cent of national output.
New Hilux targets business and lifestyle customers
The ninth-generation Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre 1GD turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes.
The vehicle also comes with Multi-Terrain Select, a four-wheel-drive system and a motorised rear differential lock, alongside Downhill Assist to support driving on challenging terrain.
Other specifications include ground clearance of 312mm, a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres, payload capacity of approximately 1,000kg and a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.
CFAO Mobility Kenya lists the vehicle’s fuel efficiency at approximately 12 kilometres per litre, providing business owners with an indication of potential operating costs.
The two specifications are designed to meet different customer needs, with the Mid model targeting business and fleet operators, while the High specification focuses on customers seeking additional technology, comfort and premium features.
The Mid specification features an eight-inch touchscreen display with an eight-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, fabric seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The High specification adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen with nine-speaker premium audio, leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 360-degree peripheral camera monitor, power-folding mirrors, tyre-pressure sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Depending on the specification, the new model also offers smart entry, automatic dual-zone air conditioning and an electric parking brake.
Local assembly remains central to the launch
CFAO Mobility Kenya reintroduced local assembly of the Hilux at Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Level 2 in 2019.
The latest launch builds on that arrangement, with the company positioning the vehicle as a product assembled in Kenya for the local market.
The initiative comes as manufacturers and distributors continue to serve customers seeking vehicles suited to local operating conditions, particularly in sectors where reliability and vehicle uptime are essential to daily operations.
Speaking during the launch, CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said the new generation builds on the confidence the Hilux has established among Kenyan customers.
“The Hilux has earned the trust of generations of Kenyan customers because it has consistently delivered what they need to get the job done. Eight generations on, the New Shujaa is our investment in the next chapter of Kenyan enterprise: tropicalised, assembled here by Kenyans, and engineered to give our customers greater efficiency and unrivalled Quality, Durability and Reliability,” Reel said.
Aftersales support and financing
CFAO Mobility Kenya said it would continue supporting Hilux owners through a network of more than 50 branches, dealerships and authorised service centres across the country.
The support network includes genuine Toyota spare parts, trained technicians and a warranty covering five years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
The company also said customers could access financing through its banking partners, with financing options of up to 100 per cent available, subject to the applicable lenders’ terms and conditions.
The aftersales and financing arrangements are intended to make ownership more accessible while helping customers manage vehicle maintenance and operating costs.
2.4-litre and Single Cab models planned for 2027
CFAO Mobility Kenya plans to expand the new Hilux range in 2027 with the introduction of 2.4-litre and Single Cab models.
The additional variants are expected to broaden the range for customers with different operational requirements, including businesses that prioritise utility and work-related applications.
The launch coincides with Kenya’s Mashujaa season, with the company using the “New Shujaa” campaign to recognise entrepreneurs, workers and business owners who overcome everyday challenges and support their communities.
The campaign builds on the previous generation’s “Shujaa wa Kazi” identity, which positioned the Hilux as a vehicle for Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on hard work and dependable transport.
With the ninth-generation model, CFAO Mobility Kenya is seeking to strengthen the Hilux’s position in Kenya’s pickup market by combining local assembly, enhanced technology, improved comfort and established aftersales support.
The company is marketing the new model under the tagline: “Meet the New Shujaa. Always Hilux.”
More Stories
Impala Floodlit Grand Finale Set to Light Up Nairobi on Saturday
Co-op Bank Tops Social Media Rankings Among Kenyan Banks
Off-grid solar creates 219,000 jobs as demand for electricity rises