Kenya is setting its sights on becoming a global leader in the transition from diesel to electric buses, with plans for all public transport buses in the country to be electric by 2027. The government’s efforts are bolstered by the opening of a new plant for electric buses, marking a significant step towards achieving this ambitious goal.
The announcement was made by Kenya’s Minister of Trade, Rebecca Miano, at the inauguration of the country’s first assembly line for electric buses. The company BasiGo has commenced the manufacturing of electric buses of the E9 Kubwa model at this plant and aims to produce 1,000 units for the domestic market over the next three years, with a substantial order already in place from Rwanda.
“One of the key priorities of the Government is addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and transitioning to electric vehicles presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and address the negative effects of climate change,” stated Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, emphasizing the environmental benefits of the shift to electric buses.
BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya expressed the company’s commitment to delivering 1,000 locally assembled electric buses over the next three years and creating 300 jobs in green manufacturing in Kenya. “We shall be assembling 20 buses every month and the orders are many. We intend to work round the clock to increase the number because the demand may rise with time,” Bhattacharya highlighted the company’s production targets and potential for growth.
The E9 Kubwa electric bus, developed and built in Kenya, is tailored for operation in Nairobi and powered by 90% renewable energy sourced locally. The model features CATL’s LFP cells for the 210 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 400 kilometers per day with a charging time of less than two hours. The bus, designed to accommodate up to 54 passengers, promises a high level of comfort, connectivity, and safety, meeting the highest international standards.
BasiGo, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Nairobi, initially imported electric buses from BYD. However, the company quickly pivoted towards manufacturing its own electric buses, reflecting its commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions in Kenya.
