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Inbound Logistics Improvements - A case study of Roam Electric

Brenner, Beata LU and Nilsson, Alexandra LU (2025) MTTM05 20251
Production Management
Engineering Logistics
Abstract
This thesis investigates cost inefficiencies within the inbound logistics operations of Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric vehicle manufacturer. As Kenya’s electric vehicle market expands, managing logistics costs becomes increasingly critical for local firms navigating infrastructural, regulatory and operational challenges. This research adopts a holistic single-case study approach and develops supply chain maps to visualize Roam’s inbound logistics flows, supplier locations and cost structures to identify cost inefficiencies and propose actionable improvements. Empirical data was collected through interviews, archival company documentation and site observations during a two-month period on site. The analysis includes a detailed... (More)
This thesis investigates cost inefficiencies within the inbound logistics operations of Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric vehicle manufacturer. As Kenya’s electric vehicle market expands, managing logistics costs becomes increasingly critical for local firms navigating infrastructural, regulatory and operational challenges. This research adopts a holistic single-case study approach and develops supply chain maps to visualize Roam’s inbound logistics flows, supplier locations and cost structures to identify cost inefficiencies and propose actionable improvements. Empirical data was collected through interviews, archival company documentation and site observations during a two-month period on site. The analysis includes a detailed categorization and comparison of inbound logistics costs to identify the main cost drivers across shipments and transport modes. Cost inefficiencies were found in unstructured data tracking, supplier locations, customs clearance choices, payment processes and transportation practices. To address these issues, the study recommends organizing supply chain data systematically, reviewing and relocating suppliers where feasible, improving freight forwarding strategies, using “through bill of lading” shipments, developing a standardized quotation framework, streamlining payment processes, achieving greater economies of scale and strengthening planning to reduce reliance on air freight. The study contributes to both academic literature on supply chain management in emerging markets and provides practical insights for Roam and other firms operating in Kenya’s EV sector. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Electric motorcycles are on the rise in Kenya. But behind every ride lies a complex global supply chain, and navigating it is far from simply copy-pasting Western logistics models into the context of an emerging market. Kenya stands out with boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), informal businesses and a unique financing culture that look nothing like the systems taught in textbooks. On top of that, companies must navigate bureaucracy, unclear regulations and widespread corruption. How does a company gain control over its supply chain when the market is shaped by delays due to bribes and officials having personal interests in competing firms?
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author
Brenner, Beata LU and Nilsson, Alexandra LU
supervisor
organization
course
MTTM05 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Cost analysis, Electric vehicles, Emerging markets, Inbound logistics, Kenya, Strategic alignment, Supply chain management, Supply chain mapping
other publication id
6044
language
English
id
9199067
date added to LUP
2025-06-17 17:10:26
date last changed
2025-06-17 17:10:26
@misc{9199067,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates cost inefficiencies within the inbound logistics operations of Roam Electric, a Nairobi-based electric vehicle manufacturer. As Kenya’s electric vehicle market expands, managing logistics costs becomes increasingly critical for local firms navigating infrastructural, regulatory and operational challenges. This research adopts a holistic single-case study approach and develops supply chain maps to visualize Roam’s inbound logistics flows, supplier locations and cost structures to identify cost inefficiencies and propose actionable improvements. Empirical data was collected through interviews, archival company documentation and site observations during a two-month period on site. The analysis includes a detailed categorization and comparison of inbound logistics costs to identify the main cost drivers across shipments and transport modes. Cost inefficiencies were found in unstructured data tracking, supplier locations, customs clearance choices, payment processes and transportation practices. To address these issues, the study recommends organizing supply chain data systematically, reviewing and relocating suppliers where feasible, improving freight forwarding strategies, using “through bill of lading” shipments, developing a standardized quotation framework, streamlining payment processes, achieving greater economies of scale and strengthening planning to reduce reliance on air freight. The study contributes to both academic literature on supply chain management in emerging markets and provides practical insights for Roam and other firms operating in Kenya’s EV sector.}},
  author       = {{Brenner, Beata and Nilsson, Alexandra}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Inbound Logistics Improvements - A case study of Roam Electric}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}