Kenya has taken a significant step towards greener public transport by introducing its first pilot program for electric matatus on intercity routes. The initiative supports the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.
The pilot is being led by Nairobi-based electric mobility startup BasiGo in partnership with two public transport SACCOs, 4NTE and Manchester Travellers Coach. This marks the first time electric matatus are being used outside Nairobi, a major milestone for Kenya and the wider Sub-Saharan region.
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BasiGo aims to replace diesel-powered matatus with affordable, eco-friendly electric vehicles. Under the pilot, 16- and 19-seater electric vans will operate along Nyahururu–Nyeri, Nyahururu–Nakuru, and Thika–Nairobi routes.
Each van can be fully recharged in just 1.5 hours and has a maximum range of 300 kilometers per charge. DC fast-charging stations have been installed in Nyahururu and Thika to keep the vehicles operational throughout the day.
The electric vans will be available under BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive leasing model, designed to lower the economic barrier for matatu operators transitioning from diesel. This flexible plan allows drivers and SACCOs to adopt modern electric mobility without high upfront costs.
Moses Nderitu, BasiGo’s Kenya Managing Director, described the pilot as a transformative step for public transport. “By collaborating with forward-thinking SACCOs like 4NTE and Manchester, we are proving that electric mobility is practical and efficient for intercity travel,” he said.
Under the program, 4NTE SACCO will manage the Nyahururu–Nyeri and Nyahururu–Nakuru routes, while Manchester SACCO handles the Thika–Nairobi corridor. The pilot demonstrates that sustainable transport solutions can extend beyond major cities to longer rural and peri-urban routes.
BasiGo also plans to assemble electric vans locally in Kenya, a move expected to create jobs and enhance skills in the country’s clean energy and mobility sector. The company will provide full after-sales support, including maintenance and servicing, to ensure smooth operations for SACCO partners.
Wilfred Daniel Kimotho, Chairman of 4NTE SACCO, expressed pride in being an early adopter of electric mobility. “This is about embracing innovation and providing better service to our customers. Our partnership with BasiGo positions us at the forefront of a future-ready transport revolution,” he said.
Looking forward, BasiGo intends to expand the fleet to more than 1,000 electric vans across Kenya over the coming years, reinforcing the country’s climate action goals and transforming mobility for inter-county travelers.
Commuter Impact & Advice
- Commuters on pilot routes can expect quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable journeys
- Travel costs may reduce over time as electric vehicles are cheaper to operate
- Follow updates from SACCOs on schedules and availability
- Familiarize yourself with charging station locations for route reliability
- Early adoption may offer a chance to experience innovative transit technology first-hand
The pilot highlights Kenya’s commitment to clean energy and modernizing its public transport network while providing efficient and sustainable alternatives for thousands of daily intercity commuters.
Source: Nairobi Wire
