BasiGo pilots electric matatus for inter-city routes

Speaking in Nyahururu town during the launch of the first inter-city route outside Nairobi, BasiGo Managing Director Moses Nderitu said the company intends to roll out over 1,000 electric pumped vehicles, once the inter-city pilot programs becomes successful for long distance routes.

The initiative is being hailed as a transformative step toward reducing emissions and bringing clean energy solutions to Kenya’s public transport system.

The pilot program, rolled out in partnership with 4NTE SACCO and Manchester Travellers Coach SACCO, points an evolution of electric mobility beyond Nairobi, targeting regional routes that are typically dominated by diesel-powered vehicles.

BasiGo’s new electric vans, which can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge will operate on the Nyahururu–Nyeri, Nyahururu-Nairobi, Nyahururu–Nakuru, and Thika–Nairobi routes.

4NTE Sacco Chairman Wilfred Kimotho said they have already placed two vans for the pilot program that will be on test for a period of three months, and once found promising, they would place more orders.

A charging pump has already been erected in Nyahururu which is strategically placed for the Saccos operating Nyahururu-Nakuru, Nyahururu-Nyeri, Nyahururu-Nairobi routes.

Each vehicle features a quick 1.5-hour recharge time and will be supported by newly installed EV charging stations in Nyahururu and Thika.

Kenya is gradually transitioning to electric buses and vans in its public transport system, with companies like BasiGo and Roam leading the way. 

The transition aims to provide a cleaner, more sustainable, and efficient public transport system in cities like Nairobi.