Kenya’s Electric Mobility Revolution Expands Beyond Nairobi
Kenyan electric mobility pioneer BasiGo is taking a major step forward by launching the country’s first inter‑city electric matatu pilot, marking a significant effort to expand clean public transport beyond Nairobi. This initiative brings eco‑friendly travel to major regional corridors and aligns with BasiGo’s vision of electrifying Kenya’s transit future
Strategic SACCO Collaboration & Route Deployment
BasiGo has partnered with two respected SACCOs—4NTE and Manchester Travellers Coach.
- 4NTE SACCO will run electric vans along the Nyahururu–Nyeri and Nyahururu–Nakuru routes.
- Manchester SACCO will pilot service on the Thika–Nairobi corridor.
These 16- and 19-seat vans offer an operational range of up to 300 km per charge and can recharge in approximately 1.5 hours. To support this, BasiGo has installed DC fast charging stations in Nyahururu and Thika, ensuring reliable inter-city performance
Lowering Barriers with a Pay‑As‑You‑Drive Model
BasiGo’s innovative Pay‑As‑You‑Drive lease model allows operators to introduce electric vans without incurring high upfront costs. Operators pay per kilometre, which covers battery use, charging, maintenance, and analytics. This flexible approach reduces financial risk and makes fleet electrification more accessible.
Leadership Voices: Innovation & Service
“We’re thrilled to bring electric mobility outside Nairobi and electrify Kenya’s iconic matatu culture,” said Moses Nderitu, Managing Director of BasiGo Kenya. “With partners like 4NTE and Manchester SACCO, we’re proving that rural and regional EV transit is both viable and practical.”
Wilfred Daniel Kimotho, Chairman of 4NTE SACCO, added: “We’re proud to be early adopters. This isn’t just innovation—it’s better service for our customers and a bold step toward an efficient, sustainable transport future.”
Scaling Up & Supporting Kenya’s Climate Goals
This pilot marks the beginning of BasiGo’s ambition to deploy over 1,000 electric vans countrywide. The initiative supports Kenya’s commitment to green mobility, reduces carbon emissions, and improves regional transport resilience.
BasiGo also plans to locally assemble these vehicles, which will create clean-energy sector jobs and boost technical expertise. Operators benefit from full after-sales support—from servicing and maintenance to analytics and roadside assistance.
Optional Deep Dive: What Else Matters
You might consider exploring related topics such as:
- The impact of EV adoption on Kenya’s air quality and fuel imports
- Tax incentives or policy frameworks supporting local assembly and green tech
- Real-time pilot data reflecting cost savings, uptime reliability, and passenger feedback at the Nyahururu and Thika charging hubs
