Nairobi — An Indian vehicle manufacturer has launched its brands in the Kenyan market in a move that is bound to intensify competition.

Ashok Leyland joins the list of trucks angling for the growing construction industry that has been boosted by government's spend on road infrastructure.

Mr Rajinder Malhan, executive director of the firm's international operations, said Kenya will play the hub to the regional market. "Our setting up a hub in Kenya is to enable us to penetrate the regional market of East Africa where the construction industry is also booming," he said at the launch on Thursday.

The sale of trucks in Kenya has been increasing over the years as a result of the construction and cargo transport industry witnessing growth.

The firm said that it has set sights on supplying security forces with some of the trucks it says are specifically modelled for them. Distribution and after sales services of the trucks will be done by Truckmart East Africa based along Mombasa Road.

"Our staff has been well trained and we are confident of providing an edge to the customers across the East African bloc," said Mr Hector Dinz, chairman of the distributorship.