Hundreds empowered in Mwala as electric motorcycle programme is launched

Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya tries his hands on an electric motorcycle during the official launch of a boda boda empowerment programme at Masii, Kawaya Stadium/HANDOUT

Hope and excitement filled the air in Mwala constituency as hundreds of young people received 200 electric motorcycles in an economic empowerment initiative.

The programme has been spearheaded by area MP Vincent Kawaya and is a result of a tripartite partnership between the national government, Kenya Commercial Bank, and electric mobility giant Spiro. 

The initiative aims to transform the boda-boda sector while promoting clean, sustainable transport.

Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya and President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet during the official launch of a boda boda empowerment programme at Masii, Kawaya Stadium/HANDOUT

Speaking during the official launch at Masii, Kawaya Stadium, Kawaya described the programme as the beginning of a "green revolution" that will redefine the local transport industry.

“We must tirelessly champion the cause of the informal sector and ensure that government policies directly translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Kenyans,” Kawaya said, calling on leaders to prioritize grassroots development.

The motorcycles come with a fully paid deposit, lifting a significant financial burden off the shoulders of young riders.

The MP emphasised that the initiative is designed not just to offer economic empowerment, but also to support climate action by shifting away from petrol-powered motorcycles.

Machakos County Boda Boda Chairman Allan Musembi hailed the move as historic, noting that previous attempts to introduce electric motorcycles in the region had been hindered by high costs.

“I have fought very hard to have electric motorcycles in Machakos,” Musembi said. “Some providers were asking for as much as Sh290,000, which was out of reach for most riders. This programme is a game-changer.”

Others leaders at the event were Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet.

Spiro, a leader in electric mobility across Africa, is deploying over one million cutting-edge electric motorcycles and building a wide-reaching battery-swapping infrastructure across the country. This innovative model allows riders to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in just minutes, eliminating the downtime caused by traditional charging methods.

To complement the effort, KCB has introduced special "green loans" tailored for boda-boda operators. These low-cost loans enable riders to own an electric motorcycle for a daily payment of just Sh180 over 18 months.

The accessibility of the loan programme, combined with the environmental and economic benefits of electric mobility, is expected to revolutionise transport in rural and peri-urban Kenya.