Kenya is set to become the first country in East Africa to establish an electric bus lane thanks to a $377 million funding package from a consortium of European agencies. The deal sees the EU provide $48.79 million in grants, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the French Development Agency (AFD) will jointly support the project with $255.64 million.
The electric bus lane will run from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, to Haile Selassie Avenue into the Central Business District, continuing on Racecourse Road to Ring Road Ngara to Juja Road, before finally ending in Dandora. The project is more than just the procurement of buses, as it includes ten key components, from the “bus running ways” to stations, depots, and station access supporting infrastructure, including pedestrian bridges, fare collection, and validation systems. The project will start with a fleet of 110 electric buses.
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French Development Agency AFD’s Director of the Mobility Department, Lise Breuil, expressed the agency’s enthusiasm to be part of the Team Europe initiative and contribute actively to preparing this significant project for Nairobi and Kenya.
The establishment of the electric bus lane will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and mitigate climate change in the city. The project will also provide job opportunities, boost economic growth, and enhance sustainable transport in the country.
The funding package represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts towards sustainable transportation and sets an example for other African nations to follow. By embracing renewable energy, Kenya is making significant strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
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In conclusion, the $377 million funding package to establish an electric bus lane in Kenya is a significant development for sustainable transportation in East Africa. The project will contribute to reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and mitigating climate change, while providing job opportunities and boosting economic growth. Kenya’s efforts towards sustainable transport will set an example for other African countries to follow, and this funding package marks a significant milestone in achieving the SDGs and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
