A local private company, Basigo, has today launched the largest number of electric buses in the country so far.
Basigo which is among the over 20 companies that have been licenced to import and assemble electric cars has unveiled 15 new e-buses that will operate within Nairobi.
The 26-seater buses, owned by various public service vehicles Saccos are set to serve the city commuters plying various routes within the City.
Apart from the importation of cars, other licensed companies are assembling two and three-electric wheelers, and also deal with its charging infrastructure.
“By replacing one diesel bus the country aims to mitigate the emission of 50 tons of Carbon dioxide every year," Basigo CEO Jit Bhattacharya said.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who flagged off the buses said they are committed to making Kenya a clean country through the reduction of carbon emissions.
“We are going to save a lot of our foreign exchange if we were to move half of the public by electric vehicles,” he said.
To address the power challenges, the CS said the Kenya power company has already allowed a few buses currently operating to establish charging points with the tariffs having been gazetted by the energy regulatory authority.
The buses are charged for two-three hours and can be used for 250 kilometres before a recharge.
Murkomen said a set of standards and regulations for testing carbon emissions from vehicles are in place.
He said the National Environmental and Management Authority in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority will operate a joint testing centre.
The CS said once the policy and legal framework are adopted, they are going to moot plans to allow the importation of small cars and especially for use by state officers.
