BasiGo Launches Kenya’s First Electric Bus Assembly Line, Pioneering Sustainable Public Transport » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 16 – Investments, Trade & Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has inaugurated BasiGo’s Electric Bus production line at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers plant in Thika.
This marks the establishment of Kenya’s inaugural dedicated assembly line for contemporary Electric Buses.
BasiGo achieved a significant milestone in February 2024 with the completion of assembly for two E9 Kubwa buses, tailored specifically for the Kenyan PSV market. The government says the 9-meter electric buses are poised to revolutionize public transport in Kenya.
One of the government’s primary objectives is combatting climate change and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
The transportation sector significantly contributes to carbon emissions, and transitioning to electric vehicles offers a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and counter the adverse impacts of climate change,” the CS said when she flagged off the first two E9 Kubwa buses assembled at KVM.
BasiGo CEO and Co-Founder Jit Bhattacharya (right) takes Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry CS Rebecca Miano, EGH through the safety features of the E9 Kubwa e-bus that has been locally assembled at KVM.
Officials said the buses will now enter operation with Citi Hoppa and Super Metro, both undergoing the process of electrifying their fleets.
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo, expressed gratitude to the government for supporting BasiGo in scaling up the electrification of public transport in Kenya.
“The shift to clean, electric buses signifies more than just environmental impact. It presents Kenya with an opportunity to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for modern EVs and their components. We take pride in supporting Kenya’s pioneering role by inaugurating this groundbreaking E-Bus assembly line in collaboration with KVM,” he said.
The inauguration of the new assembly line marks a significant stride towards sustainability for Kenya’s public transportation system.
“The government acknowledges the pivotal role that investments like BasiGo play in propelling economic growth, fostering employment opportunities, and enhancing the livelihoods of our citizens,” Miano said, adding “that is why we have prioritized creating a conducive business and investment climate, accompanied by robust policies, regulatory streamlining, and strategic incentives aimed at attracting and retaining investors.”
BasiGo plans to locally assemble 1,000 E-Buses for Kenyan bus operators over the next three years, a venture set to generate 300 green manufacturing jobs in Kenya.
Already, BasiGo has received over 500 orders from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 100 reservations from operators in Kigali, Rwanda.
“We have demonstrated the viability and impactfulness of local assembly. Now, we urge policymakers to foster an enabling environment conducive to innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Together, we can navigate towards a brighter future for mobility in Kenya and Africa,” said Moses Nderitu, BasiGo Kenya Managing Director.
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