BasiGo Launches Kenya’s First Electric Matatu Pilot on Inter-City Routes
Kenyan electric mobility startup, BasiGo, has initiated the country’s first pilot program for electric matatus, the popular public transport minivans, on inter-city routes. This move represents a significant stride in Kenya’s efforts to reduce emissions within its public transportation sector. The program is initially focused on expanding the reach of electric mobility from Nairobi’s bustling urban areas to crucial, longer-distance corridors used daily by many commuters.
Expanding Electric Mobility Beyond the City
Two Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos), 4NTE and Manchester Travellers Coach, are participating in the trial. Each Sacco will operate one electric van. These electric matatus will service the routes between Nyahururu–Nyeri, Nyahururu–Nakuru, and Thika–Nairobi. These routes, all located between 100 and 250 kilometers from Nairobi, are high-traffic corridors. Each electric van can cover a distance of 300 kilometers on a single charge and requires 90 minutes to recharge. BasiGo has established charging stations in Thika and Nyahururu to facilitate this. The vehicles will be offered through BasiGo’s “Pay-As-You-Drive” model, a lease-to-own program designed for matatu operators.
In conclusion, BasiGo’s pilot project demonstrates the potential for sustainable transportation solutions in Kenya, directly addressing the need to decarbonize a vital public service. This initiative has the potential to transform the sector, offering a more sustainable future for commuters.
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