Kibo Africa Limited: A Pan-African Motorcycle Manufacturer Built for Local Impact
Go Do More »»» Safe, reliable, and affordable mobility solutions for Africa
Who We Are
Kibo Africa Limited is a pioneering motorcycle manufacturer and mobility solutions company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 2013 by Dutch entrepreneur Huib Van De Grijspaarde, Kibo was established out of a clear vision: to create the ultimate motorcycle purpose-built for the African market. The company holds the distinction of producing the first motorcycles truly designed with African terrain, infrastructure, and riders in mind.
Kibo’s bikes are designed in Holland, Made in Kenya, and Built for Africa — a tagline that captures both the engineering heritage and the local manufacturing pride at the heart of the company. The assembly plant in Nairobi, Kenya, makes Kibo the first “Made in Kenya” motorcycle brand, a milestone that drives local job creation, knowledge transfer, and industrial capability development.
Mission
| Our Mission To provide access to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility solutions for all people in Africa. |
Vision
| Our Vision: To be Pan-African industry leaders in high-quality motorcycles engineered specifically for Africa, with excellent support for service, training, and safety equipment. |
The Go Do More Philosophy
“Go Do More” is more than a tagline — it is Kibo’s manifesto and the glue that binds the company, its riders, and all its stakeholders together.
| GO The spirit of journey — taking on the open road to explore, meet new people, and discover new cultures. | DO Inspired by Kenya’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit: the desire to create, challenge norms, and make lives better. | MORE Driven by the relentless African spirit that pushes forward, overcoming every obstacle in pursuit of a greater tomorrow. |
Our Journey
Kibo’s story began in 2011 when founder Huib Van de Grijspaarde was traveling through Africa and witnessed firsthand the critical role motorcycles play in everyday mobility — and the lack of vehicles truly suited to African conditions. This experience sparked an ambitious mission: to build a commercially viable, safe, and reliable motorcycle designed specifically for East African terrain.
| 2011 | Founder Huib Van de Grijspaarde travels across Africa and conceives the idea for a purpose-built African motorcycle. |
| 2013 | Kibo Africa Limited is formally founded. The company begins the design and development process in the Netherlands. |
| 2017 | Kibo launches its first motorcycle — the K150 — the first bike designed in the Netherlands and assembled in Kenya. This marks the birth of the first “Made in Kenya” motorcycle. |
| 2017–2019 | The K160 (The Champ) and K250 are introduced, bringing greater power, performance, and versatility to Kibo’s growing lineup. |
| 2021 | Launch of the 2nd Generation K160R (The Champ Reloaded) — featuring an upgraded tank, improved instrument panel, redesigned handlebar switches, and refined performance. |
| 2023 | Introduction of the K160E (Evolution) — Kibo’s most urban-oriented model, featuring cast aluminium wheels, lower ride height, LED instruments, and a sporty aesthetic for city riders. |
| 2024 | Launch of the 3rd Generation K250R — the most powerful Kibo motorcycle to date, featuring an oil-cooled 250cc engine, USB dual-port charging, enhanced braking, and LED lighting. |
What Makes Kibo Unique
Kibo motorcycles are engineered with a suite of features specifically chosen for the demands of African roads and riding conditions. Every design decision is grounded in safety, durability, and rider needs.
| Exoskeleton Trellis Frame Significantly stronger yet lighter than traditional frames, the trellis frame is designed to carry and secure heavy cargo loads of up to 250 kg. | Front & Rear Disc Brakes A 260 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc hydraulic brake system ensures outstanding stopping power, even under full load. |
| Double Headlights Impact-resistant, vertically stacked twin headlights housed in a metal casing. Each headlight serves as a backup for the other, ensuring riders are always visible. | On/Offroad Tyres DOT-approved tyres featuring a unique tread pattern and special rubber compound for excellent grip, handling, and durability across all terrain. |
| Progressive Suspension Delivers a comfortable ride whether navigating rough off-road terrain fully loaded or cruising on paved roads. | Air/Oil-Cooled Engines Single-cylinder engines with a balance shaft to minimise vibration, delivering the optimal mix of power, efficiency, and longevity. |
| Progressive Suspension delivers a comfortable ride whether navigating rough off-road terrain fully loaded or cruising on paved roads. | Tamper-Proof Digital Display A clear digital dashboard gives the rider all key information at a glance, with a tamper-proof odometer on select models. |
Product Lineup
Kibo currently offers three active motorcycle models, each targeting different rider profiles while sharing the company’s core design DNA of safety, reliability, and African-terrain capability.
Kibo K160E — Evolution (3rd Generation)
Launched in 2023, the K160E is Kibo’s most urban-oriented model. Built for the modern city rider, it features cast aluminium 17-inch wheels, a lower centre of gravity, lighter suspension, narrower handlebars, LED instruments, and sleek cat-eye mirrors. Available in multiple colour options and tank sizes, it is both stylish and practical.
| Engine | 161.5 cc, 4-stroke SOHC |
| Max Power | 11.7 HP at 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 13.9 Nm at 5,400 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | ~40 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 6.8 L (10.4 L upgrade available) |
| Ground Clearance | 175 mm |
| Wheels | 17-inch cast aluminium (front & rear) |
| Brakes | Single disc, dual piston (front & rear) |
| Max Carrying Load | 200 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 145 kg |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
Kibo K160R — The Champ Reloaded (2nd Generation)
Introduced in 2021, the K160R is the workhorse of the Kibo range — built for riders who need a versatile, all-terrain machine. It features 21-inch spoke wheels, a 10.4 L fuel tank, 200 mm ground clearance, and robust off-road capability, making it ideal for both urban and rural environments.
| Engine | 161.5 cc, 4-stroke SOHC |
| Max Power | 11.7 HP at 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 13.9 Nm at 5,400 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | ~40 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 10.4 L |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm |
| Front Wheel | 21-inch spoke |
| Brakes | Single disc (front & rear) |
| Max Carrying Load | 250 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 153 kg |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
Kibo K250R — The Ultimate Ride (3rd Generation)
Launched in 2024, the K250R is Kibo’s most powerful and advanced motorcycle to date. It features an oil-cooled 250 cc engine for superior thermal regulation, a dual-port USB charging system, an enhanced disc braking system, LED rear lights and turn signals, a large 13.4 L fuel tank, and Kibo’s signature orange exoskeleton trellis frame. It is built for riders who demand the best.
| Engine | 250.2 cc, 4-stroke SOHC (oil-cooled) |
| Max Power | 17.4 HP at 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 20.7 Nm at 5,200 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | ~33 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 13.4 L |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm |
| Front Wheel | 21-inch spoke |
| Front Brake Disc | 266 mm |
| Rear Brake Disc | 215 mm |
| Max Carrying Load | 250 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 156 kg |
| USB Charging | Dual port, 5V 2.1A |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
Bike Comparison Overview
| Specification | K160E | K160R | K250R |
| Engine | 161.5 cc | 161.5 cc | 250.2 cc |
| Max Power | 11.7 HP @ 6,500 rpm | 11.7 HP @ 6,500 rpm | 17.4 HP @ 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 13.9 Nm @ 5,400 rpm | 13.9 Nm @ 5,400 rpm | 20.7 Nm @ 5,200 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | ~40 km/l | ~40 km/l | ~33 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 6.8 L | 10.4 L | 13.4 L |
| Ground Clearance | 175 mm | 200 mm | 200 mm |
| Max Load | 200 kg | 250 kg | 250 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 145 kg | 153 kg | 156 kg |
| Wheel (Front) | 17 inch (cast alloy) | 21 inch (spoke) | 21 inch (spoke) |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| USB Charging | No | No | Dual port 5V 2.1A |
Our Customers & Partners
Kibo has established a broad and diverse customer base spanning government institutions, international organisations, NGOs, conservation bodies, and private sector companies. This breadth of clientele reflects the universal utility and reliability of Kibo motorcycles across varied operational environments.
Government & Public Sector
Multiple Kenyan county governments and national government institutions rely on Kibo motorcycles for field operations, traffic management, and public service delivery, including:
- County Governments: Meru, Kisumu, Kajiado, Baringo, Turkana, Nyamira, Samburu, Bomet, and others
- National Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock, Kenya Forest Service, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Posta Kenya
International Organisations & Development Partners
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- The World Bank
- IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)
- European Union — KCEP-CRAL Programme
- USAID (United States Agency for International Development)
- German Embassy Nairobi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)
Conservation & NGO Sector
- WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
- IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Soy Sambu Conservancy
- Rhino Ark, Space for Giants, NRT (Northern Rangelands Trust)
- Eden Reforestation Projects, Samaritan’s Purse, Africa Inland Mission
Private Sector & Security
- G4S Security, KK Security (GardaWorld), SGA Security, Directline Assurance
- Flamingo Horticulture, Tropical Mac EPZ, SGS Kenya, Kentaste
- Bible Translation & Literacy (EA), Lwala, CCL Africa Ltd
Strategic Partners
- Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA)
- Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association (TTWCA)
- Rafiki Microfinance Bank
After-Sales Support & Service
Kibo’s commitment to customers extends well beyond the point of sale. The company has built one of the most comprehensive after-sales support networks in the East African motorcycle industry, ensuring that every rider has access to maintenance, parts, and technical assistance wherever they operate.
| Service & Maintenance Network Well-equipped repair centres with highly trained Kibo mechanics across all 40+ counties. 47 service centres situated in every county in Kenya. | 10-Year Parts Guarantee: Guaranteed parts availability for up to 10 years after purchase, ensuring long-term operational reliability for all customers. |
| 10-Year Parts Guarantee Guaranteed parts availability for up to 10 years after purchase, ensuring long-term operational reliability for all customers. | Rider Training Rider training sessions on safe riding and bike care — twice in the first half-year, then every six months thereafter. |
| 24-Hour Response A dedicated customer support team with a maximum 24-hour response time for all queries and defect reports. | Courtesy Bikes Fleet customers benefit from courtesy bikes to minimise operational downtime during servicing. |
Warranty & Purchase Package
Every Kibo bike purchase includes a comprehensive package:
- 2 complimentary first services per bike
- 1-Year or 10,000 km warranty (whichever comes first)
- Two quality-certified helmets per bike
- Two reflective safety jackets per bike
- Free vehicle registration
- Insurance card holder
- Toolkit
- Trade-in option available
Retail Centres
Kibo operates 5 dedicated retail centres across Kenya:
| 1 | Kibo Retail Centre — Nairobi (Headquarters) |
| 2 | Kibo Retail Centre — Kisumu |
| 3 | Kibo Retail Centre — Mombasa |
| 4 | Kibo Retail Centre — Meru |
| 5 | Kibo Retail Centre — Nanyuki |
Gear, Accessories & Spare Parts
Kibo provides a full ecosystem of rider safety gear, motorcycle accessories, and genuine spare parts to support every customer throughout the ownership lifecycle. All products meet Kibo’s quality standards.
| Rider Safety Gear Helmets (full-face, open-face, modular)Riding Jackets (leather & textile)Reflective Safety JacketsRiding TrousersRiding Gloves | Genuine Spare Parts Sprockets & Chains Brake Components Headlights & Electrical Instrument Panels Handlebars, Fuel Tanks & Seats Tyres & Wheels |
Regional Coverage
While Kenya remains Kibo’s primary market and home of its assembly operations, the company has successfully expanded its reach across East Africa and beyond, serving international clients in multiple countries.
| International Client Highlights Ministère de la Santé (Rwanda)Project Delivery Partners International (PDPI)SGA Security Tanzania BetterGlobe Sourcing: Parts procured within Kenya and the broader COMESA region, supporting regional economic integration. | International Client Highlights Ministère de la Santé (Rwanda)Project Delivery Partners International (PDPI)SGA Security TanzaniaBetterGlobe Sourcing: Parts procured within Kenya and the broader COMESA region, supporting regional economic integration. |
9. Contact Information
| Kibo Africa Limited Headquarters Boma Business Park Old Mombasa Road Nairobi, Kenya P.O. Box 26366 – 00504 | Get in Touch Sales: +254 723 737 977 Customer Care: +254 728 263682 Email: customer.relations@kibo.bike Website: www.kibo.bike |