Articles tagged with "Kenya"
40% Of Bolt’s Motorcycle Fleet Is Now Electric, Making It Nairobi’s Largest EV Ride-Hailing Provider - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s electric motorcycle market is rapidly expanding, driven by innovators and supportive financing models over the past eight years. In 2024, electric motorcycles accounted for 7% of new registrations, surpassing the 5% adoption threshold that typically signals accelerating market growth. This share increased to around 10% in early 2025, coinciding with a recovery in overall motorcycle sales after a post-COVID slump. Given that motorcycles constitute over half of Kenya’s vehicles and transport contributes 39% of the country’s CO2 emissions, the shift to electric motorcycles represents a significant opportunity to reduce pollution and lower total ownership costs. A key development in this transition is Bolt, a major ride-hailing company operating in Kenya and globally, which now has over 40% of its motorcycle fleet electric, making it the largest electric motorcycle fleet provider in the country’s ride-hailing sector. Bolt has also onboarded more than 1,700 riders financed through M-KOPA, reaching its 2025
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesride-hailingsustainable-transportKenyaclean-energyRoam Launches Kenya’s First Ride-In, Ride-Out Service Center To Serve 3,500 Electric Motorcycles Monthly - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a significant shift in Kenya’s motorcycle market, marked by a sharp decline in new motorcycle sales from 285,203 units in 2021 to 68,804 in 2024, primarily due to reduced consumer purchasing power, higher fuel and financing costs, and currency devaluation. However, the market is showing signs of recovery in 2025, with monthly sales rising to about 7,000 units, aided by stabilized fuel prices and a stronger Kenya Shilling. A notable driver of this resurgence is the growing adoption of electric motorcycles, which now reportedly account for around 30% of monthly sales. This trend is supported by increased financing options from companies like M-Kopa, MOGO, Watu, and traditional banks, reflecting a shift toward electric mobility due to its lower total cost of ownership for boda boda riders. To support the expanding electric motorcycle sector, Roam, a leading player in Kenya’s electric mobility space, has launched the country’s first “ride-in,
energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-mobilityKenyaride-in-ride-out-service-centermotorcycle-taxielectric-vehicle-support-servicesThe Next Big Thing In Kenya’s Electric Mobility Sector - Electric Cars (Part 1: Charging Infrastructure) - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the emerging growth of Kenya’s electric mobility sector, particularly focusing on electric cars and the development of charging infrastructure. Kenya has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, with a 300% rise from 1.26 GWh in the 2023/24 financial year to 5.04 GWh in 2024/25, signaling growing adoption. Despite this, electric cars currently hold a very small market share—only 0.18% of new car registrations in 2024—largely due to the dominance of used vehicle imports from countries like Japan and the UK. However, as used EV availability increases in these markets, Kenya is expected to see a rise in electric car imports. Additionally, the ride-hailing sector is beginning to adopt EVs to reduce operational costs, further stimulating demand. On the infrastructure front, Kenya has made early strides with a modest but promising public charging network operated by startups. Charging stations,
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-mobilitycharging-infrastructureKenyarenewable-energyelectric-carsWaya Electric Looks To Ramp Up Operations For Its B2B-Focused Electric Motorcycles In Kenya - CleanTechnica
Waya Electric, a relatively new entrant in Kenya’s rapidly growing electric motorcycle sector, aims to scale operations by targeting niche B2B markets that have distinct performance needs compared to the mass-market riders. While Kenya’s electric motorcycle market has grown impressively—reaching about 7% penetration in 2024 and expected to hit 10% in 2025—most existing products focus on price-sensitive, lower-end income-generating riders. Waya Electric differentiated itself by conducting extensive research and identifying underserved segments such as heavy-duty rural users, last-mile LPG delivery, conservation activities, and urban fleet management, all of which require higher torque, longer range, flexible charging options, and the possibility of battery ownership. Starting operations in early 2023 with a small workshop, Waya initially converted used motorcycles to quickly generate product feedback and revenue. Their approach complements the existing ecosystem by addressing specific B2B needs that demand robust performance and adaptability, while still delivering significant cost savings. The company emphasizes rapid
energyelectric-motorcyclese-mobilityKenyaelectric-vehiclesclean-transportationsustainable-energyElectric Vehicle Electricity Consumption In Kenya Up 300% In 12 Months - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reported a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, with a 300% increase from 1.26 GWh to 5.04 GWh in the financial year ending June 2025. This growth aligns with the rise in registered electric vehicles, which reached 6,442, predominantly electric motorcycles (about 90%) used mainly in the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) and last-mile delivery sectors. Kenya is a regional leader in electrifying this sector, driven largely by private startups operating within the "boda belt"—a region spanning from Tanzania to Senegal where motorcycle taxis are common. To encourage EV adoption, Kenya introduced a special e-mobility electricity tariff with lower rates than standard commercial and residential tariffs, including reduced off-peak pricing. EPRA is also considering removing the 15,000 kWh consumption cap on this tariff to further incentivize fleet electrification, especially for buses. Beyond EV
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclese-mobilityKenyaenergy-consumptionelectric-transportationSpiro Kenya Is Taking E-Mobility Countrywide - CleanTechnica
Spiro Kenya is rapidly expanding its electric mobility (e-mobility) operations across the country, focusing on electrifying Kenya’s large motorcycle taxi industry. Unlike many companies that began in Nairobi, Spiro strategically launched in Mombasa in September 2023 to serve an underserved market before expanding to Nairobi in June 2024, covering the greater metropolitan area including Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos counties. The company has since extended its reach to Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Nandi County, Kisumu, Kisii, and Kakamega, deploying hundreds of electric motorcycles at a time and establishing a presence in 22 counties with over 7,500 electric motorcycles and more than 200 battery swap stations. Spiro’s battery charging infrastructure includes various types of swap stations: brick-and-mortar shops housing up to 24 batteries, automated unmanned stations with app-controlled access for 12 batteries, and modular racks configured based on electricity capacity. These stations
energyelectric-motorcyclesbattery-swap-stationse-mobilityKenyasustainable-transportationelectric-vehicle-infrastructureBasiGo Partners with King Long Bus Company & KVM to Assemble the Next-Generation KL-9 Electric City Bus in Kenya - CleanTechnica
BasiGo, a Kenyan electric bus company, has partnered with China’s King Long Bus Company and Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) to locally assemble the next-generation KL-9 electric city bus in Kenya. King Long, a global leader in bus manufacturing and electric vehicle technology, designed the KL-9, which features a 54-passenger capacity, a 400 km daily range, a 2-hour recharge time, and a body tailored to Kenya’s public transport needs. This collaboration aims to scale up production to meet Kenya’s high demand for electric buses, with BasiGo already having over 100 electric buses deployed in Kenya and Rwanda and a significant waiting list from operators such as OMA Services LTD, which has firm orders for more than 60 buses. BasiGo’s innovative Pay-As-You-Drive model lowers the barrier to electric bus ownership by minimizing upfront costs and charging owners based on mileage, inclusive of charging and maintenance. The KL-9 is powered by next-generation batteries
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-busesKenyapublic-transportKing-Long-Bus-CompanyBasiGoKenya’s High Import Duties On Electric Cars Stall Adoption - CleanTechnica
Kenya stands to gain significantly from accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption due to its exceptionally clean electricity grid, with renewables accounting for around 90% of power generation. This clean energy base means that increasing EV penetration could lead to substantial CO2 emissions reductions. Notably, Kenya has made considerable progress in electric motorcycles, with their market share rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 7.1% in 2024, indicating a move toward mass adoption. Electric tuk tuks and buses have also seen modest uptake, with 4% and 1.1% market shares respectively in 2024. However, electric car adoption remains very low at just 0.18% of new vehicle registrations. The primary barrier to electric car adoption in Kenya is the high import duties and taxes imposed on these vehicles, which significantly inflate their final cost to consumers. For example, the BYD Sealion 7’s price nearly doubles after including import duties and VAT, rising
energyelectric-vehiclesKenyarenewable-energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-busesgreen-economyA Review Of Kenya's Automotive Sector: Localization & Energy, Two Sides Of The Same EV Coin - CleanTechnica
The article reviews Kenya's automotive sector with a focus on the dual role of localization and energy in advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. It emphasizes that EVs are no longer a theoretical opportunity but a practical solution aligned with Kenya’s urgent national priorities: job creation, public health improvement, and fiscal strengthening. The article argues that localization should extend beyond vehicle assembly to include the integration of Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources, which currently supply over 90% of the country’s electricity. EVs, whether locally assembled or imported, run entirely on this locally generated clean power, displacing fossil fuel imports and fostering local job creation across multiple sectors. Kenya’s competitive advantage lies in its renewable energy capacity and youthful workforce, making the country well-positioned to leverage EV adoption as a driver for industrialization and economic growth. The article highlights that shifting even 10% of new vehicle registrations to EVs would significantly reduce urban pollution, lower noise, and cut operational costs for consumers. It also presents a medium
energyelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energyKenyalocalizationindustrializationclean-energyBasiGo Expands Beyond Nairobi With Launch Of Kenya’s First Inter-City Electric Minibus Pilot - CleanTechnica
BasiGo, a Kenyan electric mobility company, has expanded its operations beyond Nairobi by launching Kenya’s first inter-city electric minibus pilot program. The initiative involves deploying smaller 16- to 19-seater electric minibuses on regional routes, including Nyahururu–Nyeri, Nyahururu–Nakuru, and Thika–Nairobi, in partnership with local SACCOs 4NTE and Manchester Travellers Coach. Each minibus offers a range of up to 300 kilometers per charge with a 1.5-hour recharge time. To support these inter-city operations, BasiGo has installed DC fast charging stations in Nyahururu and Thika, ensuring smooth and reliable service. BasiGo’s innovative Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) lease model lowers the cost barrier for operators by allowing them to lease electric buses and minibuses with affordable fees that include free charging, maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance, and bus monitoring. Operators can either
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-mobilityEV-chargingbattery-leasingpublic-transportKenyaKenya’s First Business Financing Program For Electric Motorcycles Kicks Off With 600+ Units - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s electric mobility sector is rapidly expanding, with over 56 active players involved in various aspects such as importation, manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and financing. Motorcycles dominate Kenya’s vehicle fleet, comprising over 50%, and are the leading segment driving electric vehicle adoption. In 2024, electric motorcycles accounted for just over 7% of new motorcycle registrations, with 4,862 electric motorcycles registered out of 68,804 total new motorcycles. This growth is expected to accelerate in 2025 as companies scale up production and innovation. A key player in this market is Roam, which recently launched the second generation of its Roam Air electric motorcycle, incorporating over 40 improvements based on user feedback. Roam’s in-house design and manufacturing highlight a strong commitment to local innovation. To address financing barriers that limit electric motorcycle adoption, Roam partnered with Fortune Credit, a licensed digital credit provider, to launch Kenya’s first business financing program for electric motorcycles. The partnership starts with
energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-mobilityKenyaelectric-vehiclesclean-transportationEV-financingElectrifying Kenya’s Transportation Sector — EMAK Proposes Policy Measures to Promote Electric Mobility - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a new white paper released by EMAK (Electric Mobility Association of Kenya) that proposes comprehensive policy measures and fiscal incentives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Kenya. EMAK, a coalition of industry experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics, advocates for electric mobility at all levels, engaging with government bodies and stakeholders to foster a supportive environment. The organization also promotes awareness through educational initiatives and collaborates with industry and government to expand EV charging infrastructure. EMAK positions Kenya to become a regional leader in sustainable transportation by addressing current market conditions, infrastructure gaps, and government support scenarios from 2025 to 2040. A key focus of the white paper is the challenge of local manufacturing costs, which are significantly higher—often 50% to over 300% more expensive—than importing finished EV components. This cost disparity is attributed to several factors: lack of economies of scale compared to large manufacturers like those in China, high costs of raw materials and tooling due
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationcharging-infrastructurepolicy-measuresKenya