February 27, 1990: President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi launches the first three Kenyan made cars appropriately named Nyayo Pioneer 1, 2 and 3 and announced plans for their mass production. He said a company would be formed for this purpose whose shareholding would be five per cent by a reputable international company and the rest local. At the same time, President Moi said land had been set aside for the construction of a factory and assembly line. The president drove one of the saloons to the delight of mammoth crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre Complex Kasarani where the ceremony was held. The cars, whose speedometres go up to 160 kph, have a cruising speed of 120 kph. The pick-up’s cruising speed is 100 kph. President Moi praised the University of Nairobi’s professors and lecturers who researched and modelled the car over the last four years. They were assisted by the Kenya Railways Corporation, the Kenya Polytechnic and the Department of Defence. President Moi tries the Kenyan made car at the presentation while Prof. J. K. Musuva (left) Executive Chairman Kenya Railways look on.

Photo|Nation Syndication