BasiGo has expanded its Nairobi footprint with three new electric bus charging depots and a dedicated service center, signaling a decisive step in Kenya’s transition to cleaner urban transport. The facilities at Komarock, Taj Mall, and Riruta are now operational, with a fourth depot scheduled to open in Juja by the end of December. The rollout enlarges capacity for BasiGo’s growing e-bus fleet and strengthens the operational backbone needed for reliable public service.
Infrastructure Expansion
The new depots are strategically distributed across commuter corridors to reduce deadhead time and improve daily fleet utilization. By adding multiple sites at once, BasiGo increases redundancy and ensures buses can access rapid charging near their routes. The company positions this buildout as a practical foundation for scaling service across Nairobi in a measured and sustainable way.
Service and Maintenance Capability
At the Taj Mall depot, BasiGo has launched an integrated service and customer excellence center focused on fast, on-site support. The facility offers specialized maintenance for CATL battery systems and provides operators with direct customer service channels. The goal is to maximize uptime, preserve battery health, and maintain high safety standards as the fleet expands.
Charging Technology and Grid Integration
Each depot features high-capacity DC fast chargers equipped with GB/T and CCS2 connectors to accommodate different vehicle interfaces. The system supports sequential charging and is capable of charging up to 100 buses per day, allowing buses to spend more hours in service rather than waiting at the plug. Charging speeds reach up to 160 kW, which shortens dwell times and supports predictable scheduling.
Power Supply and Tariff Utilization
BasiGo plans to utilize Kenya Power’s e-mobility tariff and draw on excess nighttime grid capacity to improve economics and grid efficiency. The approach aligns charging with off-peak periods, which can help balance demand and reduce operating costs for transport providers. It also demonstrates how coordinated planning between utilities and fleet operators can accelerate adoption while safeguarding reliability.
Industry and Utility Perspectives
Moses Nderitu, BasiGo’s Managing Director for Kenya, said the infrastructure gives operators confidence that the essential backbone is in place, from rapid charging to local service. He framed the expansion as a necessary step for e-buses to operate efficiently and reliably for Nairobi’s passengers. The message underscores BasiGo’s aim to convert operator interest into long-term commitments.
Kenya Power’s Role
Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Joseph Siror, highlighted the utility’s focus on enabling the e-mobility shift with dependable and accessible electricity. He characterized the collaboration as proof of what is possible when innovators partner with the grid to deliver clean energy solutions to the public. The perspective aligns electrified transport with national sustainability goals and a modernized energy system.
Market Impact and Network Leadership
With these stations, BasiGo extends what it describes as Kenya’s most extensive network of DC fast chargers dedicated to electric buses. The company also maintains the largest active e-bus fleet in East Africa, positioning Nairobi as a regional reference point for electric mass transit. The expanded footprint aims to reduce range anxiety for operators and build momentum for additional routes and vehicles.
Operational Benefits for Commuters
Distributed depots and faster charging cycles translate into more consistent headways and fewer service interruptions. As charging shifts to off-peak hours, buses can start morning runs at full capacity and maintain reliable rotations through the day. The combination of network coverage and on-site maintenance is designed to keep vehicles in service and riders moving.
Outlook for Juja and Beyond
The Juja depot, slated to open by the end of December, will further extend access for operators serving Nairobi’s metropolitan area. BasiGo’s staged approach suggests more depots could follow as ridership grows and city routes are electrified. Continued coordination with the utility and standardized connectors should smooth future integrations.
BasiGo’s multi-site expansion and the addition of a specialized service center mark a maturing of Nairobi’s e-bus ecosystem. By pairing high-capacity fast charging with grid-aligned scheduling and localized maintenance, the company is working to make electric public transport dependable at scale. The latest depots, and the upcoming Juja site, set the stage for broader adoption and a cleaner daily commute for Kenyan passengers.