Reviving Mobility: The Story of Mobius Motors in Kenya

British entrepreneur Joel Jackson founded Mobius Motors in Kenya in 2010 to create affordable vehicles for rural areas. Despite initial success with the Mobius I and Mobius II models, the company faced severe financial challenges, leading to bankruptcy in 2024. A subsequent takeover by a Middle Eastern firm has revived the company, with plans for future production underway.

Joel Jackson, a British entrepreneur, founded Mobius Motors in Kenya after witnessing the challenges posed by poor road infrastructure during his time with a micro-forestry enterprise in rural Kenya in 2008. Recognizing the need for affordable vehicles that could navigate rough terrain, Jackson, lacking a background in automotive engineering, embarked on a journey to create a locally designed vehicle suitable for African roads. This venture culminated in the establishment of Mobius Motors Kenya Ltd in 2010, with the goal of keeping vehicle designs simple and affordable by eliminating unnecessary features.

The first prototype, Mobius I, showcased a basic tubular steel frame and served as a proof of concept to attract initial investments. This prototype garnered positive attention and led to the introduction of Mobius II in 2014. Priced at approximately Ksh1 million (around $10,000), it became the most affordable new car in Kenya. A small-scale production facility was set up in Nairobi to assemble vehicles using both local and imported components, while subsequent versions of Mobius II included improved features like power steering and electric windows.

Despite these advancements, Mobius faced significant financial difficulties due to competition from second-hand imports, high taxes, and low sales volume. In 2024, the company reported losses exceeding one hundred million shillings, with revenues falling drastically to Ksh500,000. The subsequent year saw losses triple, pushing Mobius towards bankruptcy, leading to internal disputes that culminated in Jackson’s removal as CEO and the company’s eventual entry into voluntary liquidation in August 2024.

However, Mobius received a lifeline through a takeover by a Middle Eastern firm in March 2025, which aims to revitalize the company. The new owners announced that normal operations had resumed, with plans to advance the production of Mobius 3. By July 2025, the manufacturing of the new 4×4 model is expected to be fully operational, and new leadership has been appointed to guide the company towards fulfilling Jackson’s original vision. The current professional status of Jackson, however, remains undisclosed.

Joel Jackson’s vision for Mobius Motors sparked a significant effort to address transportation challenges in Kenya. Despite facing financial obstacles and eventual bankruptcy, the company has been revived under new ownership, with plans for future production. This narrative highlights the resilience and innovation in the automotive sector, as well as the ongoing need for affordable solutions suited to local conditions.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke