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Royal Enfield rides into Kenya’s premium motorcycle market
From left: Abid Ganatra (GPE Director), Arun Gopal (Royal Enfield Head of International Business) and Altaf Ganatra (GPE Managing Director) with a Bear 650 motorcycle during the official launch on October 8, 2025, at Rosslyn Riviera Mall in Nairobi.
Luxury Indian motorcycle firm Royal Enfield has entered the Kenyan market, targeting wealthy and middle-class clients in a move that brings new competition for established players like Inchcape Kenya, which sells BMW bikes.
Royal Enfield has appointed Ganatra Plant & Equipment (GPE) as its official distributor for the region, with the first store in Kenya recently opened at Nairobi's Rosslyn Riviera Mall.
GPE also sells heavy-duty equipment and machinery, including JCB excavators.
With prices ranging from $3,500 (Sh452,200) to $7,500 (Sh969,000), Royal Enfield is set to become a key player in the luxury motorcycle segment, targeting buyers who seek both performance and style.
The company says that its two most popular models, the Bear 650 and the Himalayan 450, retail at Sh918,000 and Sh875,000 respectively.
Ganatra Plant and Equipment technician Johnson Mwatha checks a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450CC motorbike on September 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
“This new showroom is a testament to our committed distribution partner GPE Ltd… we are especially delighted to see the positive reaction to the Bear 650 and Himalayan 450, both machines that are perfect to escape the city limits and explore the beautiful Kenyan countryside,” said Mark Spiller, Royal Enfield's Marketing Manager Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
GPE will distribute the full range, which comprises models such as the Bullet 350, Classic 350, HNTR350, Meteor 350, Himalayan 450, Guerrilla 450, Interceptor, Continental GT, Shotgun 650, Super Meteor, Bear 650, and Classic 650.
The newly opened Nairobi Exclusive Store also offers after-sales service, warranty support, genuine accessories, and Royal Enfield’s line of casual apparel and protective riding gear.
Abdi Ganatra, director of Ganatra Plant and Equipment, checks out a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc motorbike on September 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
New premium motorcycles are primarily purchased by wealthy individuals and government departments, including the National Police Service.
Motorcycling culture has grown over the years, with urban dwellers making trips within the country and the region.
In the budget-to-mid-price motorcycle segment, many brands are competing for market share by targeting corporate and individual buyers who use the two-wheelers for delivery services, personal transport and the boda boda business.
Brands in this segment include Bajaj, Yamaha, Haojin, Highlong, Honda, Jincheng, TVS, Dayun and Boxer.
Royal Enfield’s showroom at Rosslyn Riviera Mall is part of the company's broader global expansion strategy, leveraging emerging markets with a growing demand for premium motorcycling experiences.
“As a team we decided to take Kenya as the first country in the East and Central African region to bring this brand here because we believe the motorcycling culture is picking up here, there are people who like touring and travelling long distances on motorcycles,” said Arun Gopal, Head of International Business at Royal Enfield.
“As long-time motorsport enthusiasts and passionate motorcycle riders, our directors are excited to bring the full Royal Enfield experience to the local market. Known for their timeless design, rugged performance, and accessible pricing, Royal Enfield motorcycles cater to a wide range of riders,” added Abid Ganatra, a director at GPE.
