Electric mobility is booming in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. More and more companies are entering the sector and offering eco-friendly transportation solutions for city residents. Among these initiatives is BasiGo, a start-up that introduced its first electric buses in 2022. Today, 19 of these buses are plying the streets of Nairobi.
When you board one of these electric buses, you are struck by the silence of the engine. No noise, just a few musical notes to entertain the passengers. They are unanimous: they appreciate this new form of transport. One of the passengers testifies: “This is the first time I have taken an electric bus and so far, everything is going well. The journey is smooth, there is no noise and I find it very good that it does not emit pollutants.
Another passenger confirms: “This is my third trip in an electric bus and I really like it. They are comfortable and fast. However, it is sometimes difficult to find them on certain lines. I would like them to also run in my neighborhood !”.
BasiGo’s electric buses can travel between 250 and 300 kilometers per day on a full charge, depending on their size. The start-up has four charging stations spread across Nairobi. One of the important advantages of these electric buses is their carbon footprint. In fact, a diesel bus can emit up to 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, while an electric bus helps avoid these emissions which are harmful to the environment. Additionally, not having a traditional engine reduces both air and noise pollution.
In Kenya, where 87% of electricity comes from renewable sources, the transition to electric mobility makes sense. However, the high cost of vehicles often hinders their adoption. BasiGo has taken this element into account by offering an innovative economic model. Samuel Kamunya, head of business development at the start-up, explains: “We ensure that the initial price of the electric bus is similar to that of a diesel bus. Then we offer a subscription system based on a ” pay as you drive”. This means that the bus owner pays an amount based on the number of kilometers traveled. This system helps spread the cost over a longer period and makes electric buses more affordable for customers.”
Thanks to its innovative approach, BasiGo recently secured a $5 million loan from British International Investment, a British government financing institution. This sum should allow the start-up to put 100 new electric buses into circulation by the end of the year. All buses are assembled locally, which supports the Kenyan economy. More than 400 people have already paid a deposit to get on the waiting list. BasiGo also intends to expand to other African countries, in addition to Kenya. The start-up has already launched its activities in Rwanda.
Electric mobility in Nairobi represents an important step towards cleaner and environmentally friendly transport. The initiatives of BasiGo and other local companies embody the future of urban mobility in Africa, providing sustainable and accessible solutions to more people. The success of these initiatives will depend on the commitment of governments and industry players to support and develop the infrastructure necessary for the widespread use of electric mobility. In any case, it is certain that the transition to cleaner modes of transport is inevitable and essential for the future of our cities.