The KMI is the leading federation of companies in Kenya's formal motor sector, embracing distributors of all the major vehicle marques, vehicle assemblers, component manufacturers, equipment agents, parts suppliers and many ancillary services.

Its role is to mobilize and represent the sector on all commercial, industrial and related national policy issues.

The KMI acts as a forum between all its members, and as a co-ordinated link with government, other associations, the media and the general public.

The KMI's flagship event is the bi-annual Total Kenya Motorshow, which is by far the largest auto exposition of any kind in middle Africa. The show is open to non-members but, in line with worldwide practice, members have priority on bookings and discounted stand fees. 

The KMI maintains the most comprehensive record of new vehicle sales, categorized by make, class, and individual model, with constantly up-dated price lists. Members have access to all details through the KMI Website, and broad summaries are published for public information with trend analyses.

The KMI is a regular source of media and public information on a wide range generic motoring issues, offers market and technical expertise to appropriate branches of government, and liaises specifically with the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the KRA Training Institute, the National Road Safety Council, the Kenya Police, the Federation of Kenya Employers, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and others.

The KMI holds regular meetings of its Executive Council and regular all-member forums, to identify and address any problem or potential related to its members and/or national welfare. The KMI Bureau acts as the centre for any and all internal, incoming or out-going communication.