BasiGo, a leading force in electric mobility across Sub-Saharan Africa, has launched Kenya’s first-ever inter-city electric matatu pilot program. The initiative marks a bold step in the evolution of clean public transport, expanding electric mobility beyond the capital and into regional routes. With this move, BasiGo reinforces its commitment to accessible, sustainable transportation that meets both national climate goals and everyday commuter needs.
Strategic Partnerships for Broader Reach
The pilot program is being rolled out in collaboration with two prominent transport cooperatives, 4NTE SACCO and Manchester Travellers Coach SACCO. 4NTE will operate BasiGo’s electric vans on the Nyahururu–Nyeri and Nyahururu–Nakuru routes, while Manchester SACCO will deploy the vehicles along the Thika–Nairobi corridor. These partnerships are integral to demonstrating the practical viability of electric mobility on longer, inter-county routes.
Infrastructure to Power the Transition
To support this groundbreaking expansion, BasiGo has installed direct current (DC) fast chargers in Nyahururu and Thika. These charging points ensure that the electric vans—each with a range of up to 300 kilometers and a rapid recharge time of just 1.5 hours—can operate without disruption across extended distances. The infrastructure investment is key to enabling consistent service and alleviating range anxiety for operators and passengers alike.
Lowering Barriers with an Innovative Model
As with its electric buses, BasiGo is offering the new vans through its Pay-As-You-Drive lease model. This approach reduces the upfront cost burden for transport operators and makes electrification more financially accessible. By allowing SACCOs to pay based on distance covered rather than purchasing vehicles outright, BasiGo is opening the door for widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya’s public transport sector.
A Step Toward Sustainable Job Creation
Beyond transforming transport, BasiGo is committed to boosting local industry by assembling the electric vans in Kenya. This localization strategy not only supports the country’s manufacturing sector but also creates new job opportunities and helps build technical expertise in electric vehicle maintenance and clean energy systems. The company will also provide full after-sales support, ensuring reliable performance and long-term value for its partners.
Voices from the Frontline of Innovation
BasiGo’s Managing Director in Kenya, Moses Nderitu, emphasized the importance of the project in shaping the future of transportation. He highlighted the cultural and historical significance of matatus in Kenya, noting that electrifying these vehicles is a meaningful way to modernize a vital public service. Wilfred Daniel Kimotho, Chairman of 4NTE SACCO, echoed this sentiment, stating that embracing electric vehicles is about delivering better service while staying at the forefront of innovation.
Looking Ahead: A National Vision for Clean Transit
This pilot marks just the beginning of BasiGo’s broader ambition to deploy over 1,000 electric vans across Kenya. The company’s long-term vision aligns with Kenya’s climate commitments and the push for more sustainable urbanization. By integrating cleaner vehicles into everyday travel, BasiGo is helping the country move toward a future that is not only environmentally responsible but also economically and socially inclusive.
BasiGo’s launch of Kenya’s first inter-city electric matatu pilot signals a transformative moment for the nation's public transport system. Through strategic partnerships, innovative business models, and robust infrastructure investment, the company is setting a precedent for clean, efficient, and scalable mobility solutions. As this pilot unfolds, it paves the way for a greener, more connected Kenya—where electric transport is not the exception, but the new standard.