Matatus gone electric? BasiGo planning to make matatus electric

Kenya is making bold strides towards sustainable urban transportation, and at the heart of this transformation is BasiGo, a pioneering company introducing electric buses into the country’s public transport system. Through a combination of innovative technology, local assembly, and an affordable ownership model, BasiGo is setting a new standard for mobility in Kenya and beyond.

The Need for Change in Kenya's Transport Sector

Kenya’s public transport system, dominated by diesel-powered matatus and buses, has long grappled with challenges such as high emissions, rising fuel costs, and congestion. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi ranks among cities with the highest levels of air pollution in Africa, largely due to emissions from vehicles. This calls for a clean and sustainable solution—precisely what BasiGo aims to deliver.

What BasiGo Brings to the Table

BasiGo, founded in 2021, focuses on electric buses as a practical solution for urban mobility. The company has partnered with global electric vehicle manufacturers to bring its cutting-edge technology to Kenya, while assembling the buses locally to promote job creation and reduce costs.

Its electric buses, such as the K6, have been specially designed to cater to the needs of the Kenyan market. These buses have a range of up to 250 kilometers on a single charge, making them suitable for daily operations in Nairobi and other urban centers.

Pay-As-You-Drive Model: Making Electric Buses Accessible

One of BasiGo’s most revolutionary contributions is its Pay-As-You-Drive financing model. This approach lowers the upfront cost barrier for bus owners by allowing them to purchase the buses at competitive prices while paying for battery usage and maintenance through a subscription plan. This makes it easier for matatu operators—often small-scale entrepreneurs—to transition to electric mobility without financial strain.

A Focus on Local Assembly and Job Creation

BasiGo has strategically chosen to assemble its electric buses in Kenya, working with local suppliers and technicians. This not only reduces import costs but also generates employment opportunities in the country. In collaboration with bodies such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), BasiGo ensures the vehicles meet local safety and performance standards.

Environmental and Economic Impact

BasiGo's electric buses offer significant benefits to Kenya's urban environment. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and contributing to cleaner cities. Additionally, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) aligns with Kenya’s ambitious goals for renewable energy use, as the country already generates over 90% of its electricity from renewable sources like geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric power.

From an economic perspective, electric buses reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, saving foreign exchange and insulating operators from volatile fuel prices. Lower operating and maintenance costs further enhance the economic viability of the transition.

Scaling Up: Challenges and Opportunities

While the promise of electric mobility is exciting, challenges remain. Expanding the charging infrastructure across Kenya and addressing range concerns for long-distance routes are critical. To this end, BasiGo is investing in charging stations and exploring partnerships with government and private stakeholders to accelerate infrastructure development.

The Kenyan government’s supportive policies, such as tax exemptions for EVs and subsidies for green energy initiatives, provide a conducive environment for scaling up operations. With Nairobi as the launchpad, BasiGo has the potential to replicate its model across other cities and regions in East Africa.

A Greener Future for Public Transport

BasiGo’s vision aligns with the global push for decarbonizing transportation, which is critical for achieving climate goals. By demonstrating that electric buses can thrive in African cities, BasiGo is not just transforming Kenya’s public transport but also inspiring other nations to adopt sustainable mobility solutions.

In conclusion, BasiGo is more than just a provider of electric buses—it is a trailblazer for a cleaner, more efficient, and economically inclusive future for public transportation. As the company scales its operations, it serves as a testament to how innovative thinking and localized solutions can drive meaningful change.