Mahindra Tractors roll into Kenyan farms
Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra has partnered with Simba Colt Aspire Ltd to strengthen its presence in the Kenyan agriculture equipment market.
Simba Colt Aspire Ltd, a dealer in Kenya’s automotive and agricultural segments, will be the main distributor for Mahindra Tractors in the country, marking a step in the Indian company’s efforts to enhance the farming experience for the estimated 4.5 million Kenyan smallholder farmers.
The deal between Simba Colt and the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume aims to support farming mechanization through the provision of a comprehensive range of reliable and high-performance tractors to farmers.
Both companies note that this initiative aligns with the government’s objectives of improving agricultural productivity towards achieving food security in Kenya.
During the launch, Dr. Paul Rono, Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Crop Development and Agricultural Research, Dinesh Kotecha, Group CEO, Simba Corporation, called on the government to zero-rate the 16 percent VAT on farm implements, among other incentives for farmers.
Kotecha underscored the importance of lowering the cost of acquisition of farm implements to encourage mechanization and improve productivity for investors in the agricultural sector.
Mahindra Tractors will now be available in Kenya in three variants offering 25 Horsepower (HP), 75 HP, and 92 HP, namely Mahindra 2025, Mahindra 6075, and Mahindra 9200 respectively.
These tractors present to farmers cutting-edge technology, robust design, and fuel-efficient engines, aiming to transform and enrich farmers’ lives in Kenya.
PS Dr. Rono lauded Simba Corporation and Mahindra for their partnership, noting that it demonstrates the private sector’s confidence in the local economy and agricultural development opportunities in the country.
He highlighted the importance of supporting and empowering Kenyan farmers, both large and small, to build a robust and efficient agricultural sector, improve farmer livelihoods, and contribute to economic growth.
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Toughness and efficiency
Naresh Leekha, Group Managing Director, Motors Division, Simba Corporation, stated that the partnership with Mahindra introduces a new era of efficiency, reliability, and innovation to the Kenyan agricultural sector, promising to revolutionize farming practices in the country.
Simba Colt Aspire Ltd has already identified key markets in various regions across Kenya for the immediate roll-out of Mahindra Tractors.
“We are delighted to bring Mahindra Tractors, known for their toughness and efficiency, to the Kenyan market in partnership with Simba Corporation Ltd. This collaboration aims to strengthen the accessibility of Mahindra Tractors across Kenya and ensure prompt service and support,” said Kedar Apte, Chief of International Operations, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Mahindra Tractors will be offered through Simba Colt Aspire Ltd’s six branches across Kenya and three tractor dealers, complete with a warranty of 3 years or 3000 hours from the time of purchase.
This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the government’s goal of increasing agricultural mechanization in Kenya to over 50 percent by the year 2029, as outlined in the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS).
Some of the other prominent tractor companies in Kenya include John Deere, New Holland Agriculture, Massey Ferguson, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), and Japanese tractor maker Kubota.
