In a proactive move for the Kenyan automotive industry, Silver Box, a leading investment and technology firm, has officially acquired Mobius Motors Kenya. Mobius Motors, renowned regionally for its rugged and locally assembled vehicles, will now operate under Silver Box’s strategic leadership, ushering a new era for the once locally assembled off-roader manufacturer.
The acquisition comes after a turbulent period for Mobius Motors. In 2024, the company was burdened with financial hardships that led to its liquidation under Kenya’s Insolvency Act.
The then outgoing CEO Nicholas Guibert confirmed that the board had resolved to shut down the automaker’s operation after a solid 13-year run in the country.
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Mobius Motors had raised approximately $56 million in five funding rounds, targeting the development of affordable SUVs for Kenya’s rural and agricultural industries. Unfortunately, heavy debts – estimated at KES 650 million – combined with disputes from the Kenya Revenue Authority ultimately led to its untimely downfall.
For many Kenyans, Mobius represented the country’s best shop at a successful in-house auto manufacturer, especially after the embarrassing failure of the Nyayo Pioneer car project. The company’s sudden closure left about 50 employees jobless, and according to CNN’s Larry Madowo, the car manufacturer’s financial hurdles were so dire that it could not even cover rent and salaries.
Despite these setbacks, Silver Box is breathing new life into the fallen giant – Mobius Motors. The company has resumed vehicle servicing, and projects will start production by July 2025. A newly developed 4×4 SUV model is set to launch by December 2025, further strengthening Mobius’s vision of delivering robust, locally manufactured vehicles.
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With a new CEO, John Kavila, at the front, Mobius is set to make a strong comeback.
“I am deeply honored to lead Mobius Motors, a company renowned for its bold and innovative approach in creating a genuinely unique Kenyan brand, “ he was quoted in a press release published on March 11, 2025.
The acquisition by Silver Box marks a turning point for Kenta’s automotive scene. If successful, Mobius could finally achieve what the Nyayo Pioneer car envisioned – establishing a sustainable, homegrown automotive brand in Kenya.
