Nairobi, July 2 -- Electrified heavy lorries have been the missing link in Kenya's fast-growing e-mobility sector, overshadowed by a rapid rise of motorcycles, passenger cars and, more recently, buses.

High purchase costs, limited charging infrastructure and concerns over range have kept freight operators largely tied to diesel, even as fuel price volatility continues to squeeze transport businesses.

But in the last year, a growing number of global commercial vehicle makers have entered the Kenyan market with electric trucks, signaling rising confidence in the economics of e-freight transport.

Foton is among companies leading that push. Through its local distributor Mobimotors, the Chinese car maker has been rolling out light electric ...