Inside Susan Kihika's Ksh20 Million Nakuru Govt Car [PHOTOS]

One of them was first shared by Capital FM presenter Itssoulo, which caused a frenzy among Kenyans

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Aug 25, 2022 - 15:21 Updated: Jun 11, 2023 - 19:08
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Inside Susan Kihika's Ksh20 Million Nakuru Govt Car [PHOTOS]
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and a 2021 Land Rover defender with county government number plates. /VIRALTEAKE

Earlier on Thursday, August 25, photos surfaced online of a 2021 Land Rover Defender with a county government number plate installed on its rear.

One of them was first shared by Capital FM presenter Itssoulo, which caused a frenzy among Kenyans who questioned how the Nakuru County government, to which the car was assigned, could afford a vehicle only common amongst the country's elite.

Another photo of the vehicle surfaced later on showing the front end of the vehicle, with the number plate GVN032A, which will be assigned to newly-sworn in governor, Susan Kihika.

A 2021 Land Rover Defender with Nakuru County government number plates. /FACEBOOK

“And why would a county government procure a car like this? Misplaced priorities,” said Jeruto Kosgey.

“Why on earth do we allow such things to carry the day in our country? How I wish these were the MLK days when people believed in doing what is right and in the best interest of the people.

“Lakini hawa ma Politicians wa Kenya wanatutharau aje? (How do these politicians see us) Is this a spit on the face or what??? Ata si angenunua Pajero basi kama ni lazima (She should have even bought a Pajero if it was necessary) we flush money in the toilets,” other comments read online.

The 2021 Defender was launched on September 14, 2021, in Kenya by Inchcape, the official distributor of Jaguar Land Rover and BMW brands in Kenya and is based in the United Kingdom. It retails for between Ksh15 million and Ksh20 million.

In 2016, Land Rover announced that it was halting production of the 4x4 car which for 67 years has been a fan favourite for many offroad drivers due to its aggressive nature on rough terrain, which disappointed many enthusiasts who had no idea that its revamped version was on the pipeline.

“Ever since the manufacture of its first model, Land Rover has become synonymous with adventure, from going over giant puddles on an off-road terrain during a safari to the Mara, to driving long-distances upcountry or across borders to different countries in Africa.

"I would equally like to appreciate and commend Jaguar and Land Rover who have shown a strong commitment to minimising the environmental impact of their operations with their “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle” policy, combined with energy-efficient measures across their operations aimed at reducing emissions.” UK Ambassador to Kenya Jane Marriot addressed at the time.

The new Defender features a lot of space in the front and allows for seats to be added in the back to be converted to a seven-seater. The middle seats also have adequate space compared to the older version, and there is a sliding function that helps accommodate those taller passengers in the back. 

On the other hand, the new Land Rover Defender gives the full package that one would expect from a 2021 SUV, including premium wood trim and luxury stitching.

The new Defender has more engine power than its predecessor and comes with either petrol or diesel engines. The diesel offers two options that include 2.0-litre SD4 engines producing 200 and 240 horsepower, respectively.

Petrol engines include the 2.0-litre SI4 and a 3.0-litre, mild-hybrid rated at 300 and 400 horsepower consecutively. Both models have a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, with the mild-hybrid technology packing greater acceleration.

The new Defender is faster than its predecessor given that it can accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in 5.8 seconds. The old Defender could manage the same in just 14.7 seconds and both models have a top speed of 191 km/hr.

The exterior look of the car is more modernised than the predecessor, with cat headlights at the front and futuristic headlights at the back. Though it has maintained its box shape from its predecessor, the new Defender is slightly curved around the edges to give out its sporty look.

The new Defender has already been spotted along the streets of Nairobi by wealthy Kenyans lucky enough to get one and drive it around the city roads. Across the world, it famously featured in the James Bond movie No Time To Die, the last by Daniel Craig who played the main character.

Inchcape Kenya Sales Team Lead Charles Oduor explains the new features of the new Land Rover defender during the virtual launch in Kenya at Jaguar Land Rover Centre at Oracle Towers in Nairobi. /BUSINESS TODAY

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