Local asset fintech firm Watu has confirmed a significant recovery in motorcycle sales in 2025, reinforcing findings from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) that point to renewed momentum in Kenya’s mobility and SME transport sectors.
According to the KNBS Leading Economic Indicators Report released in November 2025, newly registered vehicles rose from 25,167 units in October to 27,219 units in November. Motorcycles accounted for the bulk of this growth, recording a 19.8 percent increase to 18,839 units over the first eleven months of the year.
KNBS data shows a steady upward trajectory throughout 2025. Motorcycle registrations began the year at 12,456 units in January, climbed to 15,699 units by August, and peaked at 18,839 units in November, reflecting sustained demand across the year.
Watu Kenya Country Manager Erick Massawe says the trend mirrors what the company observed on the ground, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises and public service transport operators.
“Demand for motorcycles as income-generating assets for SMEs and public transport providers recorded consistent month-on-month growth throughout 2025,” Massawe said.
Watu operates as an asset fintech, providing financing solutions that expand access to productive assets for mass-market customers. Since its founding in 2015, the company has played a central role in reshaping financing for two- and three-wheel vehicles, particularly within Kenya’s boda boda and tuk-tuk sectors.
Massawe noted that Watu’s internal data indicates stable growth in internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, alongside a gradual rise in electric two-wheelers, reflecting early but growing interest in alternative mobility solutions.
In 2025, Watu financed approximately 8,000 mobility assets, including electric motorcycles, underscoring the role of asset-backed credit in supporting livelihoods and transport efficiency.
“The KNBS data provides a useful snapshot of the broader market and closely reflects our own pace of growth at Watu,” Massawe said. “Traditional financing often excludes people without formal credit histories. By removing unnecessary barriers, we enable more people to access life-changing assets for mobility, business, and digital connectivity.”
Beyond Kenya and East Africa, Watu has expanded its footprint to eight African countries. In 2025, the firm also marked a milestone by becoming one of the first Kenyan-heritage companies to establish operations in Latin America, with active markets in Brazil and Mexico.
Through its financing model, Watu says it continues to support job creation, improve transport reliability, and contribute to local economic activity across Kenya’s informal and formal transport ecosystems.
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