Tuk Tuk business
The first six ambled vehicles issued with number plates and operating in Laikipia and Nyandarua counties
Innovation in Laikipia County progressed with certification of locally assembled Tuk Tuk by government agencies and issued with registration numbers.
National
Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya
Bureau of Standard (Kebs) issued their certification to Sagak Tech Enterprises
after hitches detected in May were rectified.
The certification
was received with joy after the innovation by Njogu was fit for use in the
highway.
The
innovation backed by Laikipia County Government entered into a critical phase in
June after it was allowed to proceed with the registration process for the
first six locally assembled four wheelers units.
Governor
Ndiritu Muriithi said he was happy that what he has been nurturing their
innovation department has materialised for the interest of the young
generation. Muriithi said the six wheeler tuk tuks were issued with
their number plates and log books on August 12.
“ The
process has taken three years and the innovator has received
the documents as the law demands,” said the governor who has been
encouraging the youth to register their innovators with his
administration.
“ For Njogu is a dream come true after
three years ago turned up at Nyahururu stadium to display his home based
vehicle during the Laikipia County Innovation week, before his works
impressed the governor and the judges”.
The
Governor after he inquired about Njogu's mission pledged to support Njogu
through the assembling and certification process.
The Tuk
Tuk can carry for seven passengers, and a 500 kilogrammes luggage capacity,
where two units have been sold for use by the local farmers to aid in the
transportation of farm produce.
The
critics of the governor in the social media platforms had been
questioning and opted to take a ride in a ‘mabati ‘vehicle, but he remained
silent, until it underwent through various experts.
“The
Innovation department identified Njogu as a leading light in the innovation
sector, and he has emerged the winners and his works rated highly among the
local motor vehicle assemblers,” said Muriithi.
The manufacturer can now comfortably take
deposits from interested customers who are now assured that the tuk
tuks from Sagak Tech Enterprises are fully licensed by NTSA
after full compliance with the requirements.
Sagak
Tech Enterprise Managing Director Mr Wallace Wachira has worked with Njogu and
other experts in the improvement of Tuk Tuk Christened BJ 50.
“Am
delighted that what has been waiting for years is a reality that my
invention has been cleared by NTSA and KRA. I have gone through a lot of
hurdles and now I will concentrate on other inventions with support from
the county government,” said Njogu after the six tuk tuks were issued with log
books.
Approximately
40 people, among them small scale traders, have placed orders with the company
for the vehicles.
Kariuki
said the six units of the four-wheeler Tuk tuks have been undergoing tests and
inspections by the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the last six months.
“They
passed the CMTE inspection standard and approval by Kebs allowing their use on
public roads,” said Kariuki.
Infrastructure
Principal Secretary Paul Maringa and Governor Muriithi have been assessing the
progress of BJ50, ahead of the certification.
Others
involved in the project are Chief Mechanical and Transport Engineers, Kenya
Bureau of Standards and NTSA.
Laikipia
County Secretary Karanja Njora said the coming up of the policies that also
cover Tuk Tuks and other vehicle manufacturers like Mobius, is a major
breakthrough to the local innovators, who have suffered for years.
“Since
independence the systems and structures have focused and supported imports,
which has been a major obstacle to registration of locally manufactured
vehicles,” said Mr Njora.
Partners
involved in BJ 50 included Numerical
Machining, Gear Box Kenya, Dedan Kimathi and Laikipia Universities.
More than
74 products produced under the innovation programme that are in demand locally
and internationally which range from wood toys, electric wheelchairs, leather
products, camel milk among others.
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