First a dissection of the tyre market in four different sectors – one that was severely affected and three that have been the mainstay of resilience.

Cowrie Shells of Trade

Initially, Cowrie shells were used as currency for trading right after the barter age. Cowrie shells were/ are still used in astrology in many parts of Africa to predict the future. Four cowrie shells held in the hand, the astrologer would then shake the shells while clenching the fist and throw them to the ground. Depending on how many shells turned upside, the astrologer would then tell the future. In my case, three have turned upside and one facing down – an ominous sign.

(Cowrie Shell number 1) The Motorcycle  Market

Also known as ‘bodabodas’, motorcycles are divided into the mid-premium, premium and commuter motorcycles. The rise in numbers in pre-pandemic times and presently is because of their ability to move efficiently in urban and rural areas, especially where the road conditions are poor. 

 Between 2011 and 2019, the number of motorcycles grew 233 percent from 500,000 to 1.7 Million. The average annual demand for motorcycles is 200,000 units – a demand that is fuelled by a relatively affluent rural population with a drive for personal mobility (Source: Kenya Automotive Sector Profile – 60 years Anniversary edition). Motorcycle tyres sales have not lagged behind in the regard, with most of the imports coming from India and China. Often these tyres are not recyclable.

(Cowrie Shell number 2) Commercial Market Truck

The shift in rules and regulations surrounding travel has come with uncertainty and border closures that were aimed at stopping the spread of the disease. Closure of some truck tyre producing plants and ensuring that the overseas parent markets demands were met before exports meant that there was a shortage in this sector. The sector has been supported by the Light Commercial Vehicle tyres from the 7.00-16, 7.50R16, 9.5R17.5, 265/70R19.5 and, more recently, 255/70R22.5 (FI engines). These vehicles are not under the spotlight of weigh-bridge restrictions as compared to their bigger rig 22 and above wheeler cousins and hence have become a vehicle of choice of up-coming and existing transporters wanting to squeeze the payload shilling to a longer mile. Even in the absence of verifiable date or research papers, it is estimated that commercial driving has dropped by about 20 percent.

(Cowrie Shell number 3) Agricultural Tyres

The sector that continues on an upturn is one that continues to feed the millions of people every day. Even with a prediction of drought at the end of the year, tractors and farmers on the road continue to grind tyres to ensure that there are products from the farm to fork. The OEM/ replacement/aftermarket sectors are experiencing a rise in demand for efficient and productive agricultural machinery that is driving the agricultural tyre market. It is primarily the technological advancements and expanding population that are propelling the agricultural tyre market. Sameer Africa, the only agricultural tyre manufacturing concern in the country, closed its doors in 2019. While the overall scenario of the market is positive, the demand is hugely dependent on the economic turmoil in the region that invariably affects the farmers’ income and purchase of farm machinery. However, a downturn in farming equipment sales is expected to continue till 2022 as Covid-19 severely impacted the automotive industries.

Changing agricultural machinery design and increasing penetration into new unexplored terrain will require tyres that have stronger rubber compounds. Flotation, forestry, trailer and compound rubber tyres with steel flex wall are now trending in the local agricultural tyre market.

(Cowrie Shell number 4) Passenger and 4x4

Regarding the future impact of personal and business travel, Bill Gates recently noted that we can ask the question “Do I have to go there personally? ” and predicted 50 percent decline for the post Covid-19 world. In addition to that, walking, cycling and motorcycling have gained preference.

In addition to the specifics of the tyre market, various factors continue to plague the East African tyre industry, and they include:

•           Uncertainty that the virus will move into the winter months and the Delta variant. With less than 10 percent of the population now vaccinated in the East African region, it is difficult to say how the disease will pan out. What is certain is that the periods of confinement will continue deep into 2022 (an election year in Kenya).

•           At some point this year, freight costs rose by 300 percent. Tyre sellers had no option but to pass the cost to the consumer. Supply chain disruptions are here to stay mainly because Kenya will be having the general elections next year. Tanzania and Uganda have already had theirs. In such times, many investors hold back on the resources waiting for regime change and the chaos that follow a general election.

Rangoli of Possibilities

Many years ago, I woke up every day to beautiful drawings made on the ground in front of a neighbour’s doorstep. Drawn by a young Indian girl, I later came to learn their meaning. Using multi-colored, ochre, dried rice sand, flour, rocks and petals, beautiful drawings were made on the doorstep as a part of an everyday Hindu household practice – even more so, during the important Hindu ceremonies such as Diwali, Pongal and Tihar (I would urge the reader to view some of these drawings on Google). The Rangoli represents happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household (nation) intended to welcome health and happiness. It is for this reason that I intend to paint here that African Tyre Market Rangoli during this very trying Covid times mostly for therapeutic purposes. 

It is in these Rangolis of possibilities that I would like to offer my predictions and possible solutions:

Prediction no. 1

In East Africa, future urban mobility will not rely on individual car traffic regardless of the propulsion system. The pandemic will cause urban planners to re-think the transport framework policy. Policy makers will nurture the momentum gained to further transform the traffic landscape towards environmentally friendly towns and cities.

Prediction no. 2

In the midst of dwindling and scarce resources, the one that remains unlimited is ‘IDEAS’. E-commerce readiness will be vital in determining the survivability of a business during the Covid-19 pandemic. The level of readiness will determine their continuance and sustainability.

E-commerce readiness can be examined on the basis of Technological readiness / Organisational Readiness and Environmental Readiness. Challenges and constraints thrown our way, such as the Covid-19 proffers, only encourage a business to adopt e-commerce and take it to another level. (Ref. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business)

Suggestions on how to weather the storm

In order to strive, thrive and stay ahead of the pandemic curve, businesses in East Africa have to adopt different business strategies:

•           Tyre business owners and managers must consider going against the previous market stock trends such as Just in Time Management. Maximise coverage, over-order on fast moving items, plan way ahead, order early, sell what your competition can offer you and pro-actively communicate with customers about impending shortage (being upfront and honest)

•           Being constantly in touch with suppliers, strategically allocate stocks, buy out of the normal circles, train front-line staff on up-downsizing-cross sizing and tyre husbandry.

•           Invest in your people in training (preferably online) and keep moral high.

•           With pricing; work around keeping your cost low and don’t raise prices when you can’t supply. This puts you up against a customer.

 What the Cowrie shells on the ground say

I would like to pen-off with the words of Kenya’s finance cabinet secretary, Ukur Yatani Kanacho:

“Last year around this time, you would think that ours was a deserted city. Life is now back to normal, the vibrancy is back. We are quite optimistic. Kenyans have accepted and adopted to the new way of living and we are quite alive to the challenges posed by Covid-19”. (TT)

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has joined forces with Dudley Council Trading Standards for an enforcement operation targeting part-worn tyre retailers, with support from West Midlands Police. Unannounced audits followed earlier advisory visits during which traders had already received guidance on statutory obligations. Nonetheless, every business inspected failed to meet basic safety and legal standards, producing a 100 percent non-compliance rate.

The inspections exposed a range of serious breaches, including dangerous illegal string repairs, punctures in sidewall and shoulder areas that cannot be repaired, absent or temporary ‘PART-WORN’ markings, improper pressure testing, aged and hardened rubber and tread depth below the legal minimum. Under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, such tyres must be thoroughly inflation-tested before sale, have at least 2.0 mm of tread, be structurally sound and carry a permanent uppercase ‘PART-WORN’ stamp.

Each trader subsequently received an individual Trader Notice summarising visit findings, identifying specific concerns, acknowledging compliance where found and offering practical guidance on meeting legal duties. TyreSafe and Dudley Trading Standards now intend to use the case study to urge other UK local authorities to prioritise joint enforcement against part-worn tyre retailers and remove illegal stock from the consumer market.

Laura Reuben, Public Protection Manager, Dudley Council, said, “The findings of this operation are deeply concerning. Consumers purchasing part-worn tyres often assume they are buying a safe, legal alternative to pass an MOT or save money, but our joint checks show a widespread disregard for basic safety laws. Educational visits alone have proven insufficient, and we will not hesitate to use our formal enforcement powers to protect motorists from dangerous stock.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “This operation with Dudley Trading Standards exposes a stark reality: 100 percent non-compliance among the retailers audited, even after receiving compliance advice. Dangerous tyres on the road pose an immediate threat to driver and pedestrian safety. We urge local authorities across the UK to follow Dudley’s lead and integrate targeted, unannounced part-worn checks into their enforcement schedules.”

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Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is assembling speed enthusiasts to showcase their sporty spirit and partake in exclusive motorsport excitement at the highly anticipated 2026 Bridgestone Driving Experience, themed ‘FEEL THE VIBE. SHARE THE MOMENT’. The event welcomes customers using any model of BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tyres to elevate their driving experience by taking their own vehicles onto a real racing circuit.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the programme offers participants the chance to explore their vehicles’ full performance capabilities under the guidance of professional drivers and automotive experts. Theoretical sessions and practical driving techniques form the core of the experience, complemented by exclusive prizes, Hot Lap opportunities and giveaways throughout the day.

Entertainment highlights include an exclusive Meet & Greet with Beer Baiyoke and the Top Secret Thailand team; Thai actress-singer-model-racing driver Maprang Alisa Khunkhaeng, as well as Ko and the Street Doc team. The action-packed schedule promises excitement and motorsport experiences for all attendees.

Scheduled for 22 November 2026 at Pathum Thani Speedway in Pathum Thani Province, registration is already open from 21 October to 10 November 2026, with selected participants to be announced on 16 November 2026. Additionally, Bridgestone is offering a ‘Buy 3 Tires, Get 1 Free’ promotion for customers switching to POTENZA tyres, valid for purchases from 21 October to 10 November 2026, along with the chance to join the event. Interested customers can contact the page administrator through the POTENZA CLUB Facebook Group.

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Michelin has formed a technical and sporting alliance with Segway as the Segway Dakar Rally Factory Team prepares to enter the 2028 Dakar Rally aboard an entirely new, fully electric racing motorcycle. Acting as the team's official tyre supplier and technical partner, Michelin will be involved from the project's very first stages, supporting Segway throughout development.

Segway, drawing on its electric mobility background, is pursuing a demanding engineering goal: designing a brand-new 100 percent electric racing motorcycle built to survive the Dakar Rally's punishing conditions. The event will act as a live testing environment where both partners can subject their newest innovations to extreme demands and probe fresh territory in performance and electric mobility.

The partnership is being officially sealed at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy, a major international motorcycle industry showcase, where representatives of both firms will sign an agreement confirming their joint dedication to the Dakar 2028 venture. Cooperation will reach far past race-tyre supply, with engineers from both sides collaborating to weave rally-raid requirements into Segway's future electric machine.

Michelin will lend its off-road and rally-raid know-how plus tyre and Bib Mousse puncture-prevention expertise, initially guiding Enduro and Desert tyre selection and advising on Bib Mousse choice, fitting and use. Joint workshops will unite Michelin Motorsport specialists with Segway engineers, gathering data under rally-raid-representative conditions to steer later tyre optimisation. With Michelin's Dakar record since 1983 and 40 victories behind it, a joint testing programme will adapt tyres progressively to the motorcycle's final specifications and demands.

Cyriaque Echevin, Michelin Off-Road Tire Marketing Director, said, “True to its pioneering spirit, Michelin is delighted to support the Segway Dakar Rally Factory Team in this particularly ambitious project. Taking on the Dakar Rally with 100 percent electric motorcycles represents an exciting technological challenge, bringing new parameters that we will need to factor into our development work. Our role will extend far beyond supplying tyres: our teams will work alongside Segway’s engineers from the earliest stages of the project, sharing our rally-raid expertise and contributing to the development of the new motorcycle. The Dakar Rally provides an exceptional testing ground for pushing technological boundaries through close collaboration with our partners.”

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Pirelli has chosen a softer trio of compounds for the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, naming the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft. That is one step softer than a year ago, when the weekend followed the Sprint format. The race closes the long back-to-back swing through the Americas at the José Carlos Pace circuit.

Fresh asphalt laid during the year between Turns 3 and 5, and again between Turns 8 and 9, could shift grip levels and change how the track evolves. Longer runs may be affected in particular. Across the three free practice sessions, teams will study the new surface and its influence on wear and degradation.

Last year, degradation was a decisive technical theme in São Paulo. Graining came in milder than feared, but the C2 Hard of that weekend tended to slide, and the C3 and C4 wore heavily while still supporting competitive stints. A two-stop race proved the strongest approach.

Interlagos produces broadly average lateral forces overall, mixing fast corners with long straights, so the layout is not especially punishing. Loads fall fairly evenly between front and rear axles. Overtaking chances are plentiful, giving strategists room to manoeuvre, yet degradation management has usually decided who performs best, making the trade-off between one-lap speed and long-run durability central to trackside work.

Rain and sharp temperature swings are familiar at this venue given its calendar slot, so Intermediate and Full Wet tyres may again feature. In 2025, Medium and Soft dominated a wide spread of strategies, with most teams choosing two stops after an early neutralisation triggered pit visits. Pit windows differed by driver, opening gaps that aided overtaking; only two drivers stopped once, and Hard tyres appeared in just a few brief stints.

Interlagos has staged 42 Grands Prix, 37 of them titled the Brazilian Grand Prix between 1973 and 2019 before the São Paulo name returned in 2021. Michael Schumacher leads with four wins, while Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen hold three each; Ferrari and McLaren share nine team victories. The special Podium Cap, designed by Denis Dekovic for Pirelli Design and inspired by Brazil's 1958 blue football shirt with a jaguar-pattern finish, is on sale via Pirelli's e-commerce platform.

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