CS Miano commissions production of BasiGo Electric buses

By Catherine Muema On Apr 16, 2024

By Antynet Ford

Investments, Trade & Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has today inaugurated BasiGo’s Electric Bus production line at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers plant in Thika.

This is Kenya’s first dedicated assembly line for modern Electric Buses.

In February 2024, BasiGo completed the assembly of two E9 Kubwa buses, a 9-metre electric bus specifically designed for the Kenyan PSV market and poised to revolutionise public transport in Kenya.

“One of the key priorities of the Government is addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and address the negative effects of climate change,” said CS Miano.

During the event, CS Miano flagged off the first two E9 Kubwa buses that have been assembled at KVM. These buses will now enter operation with Citi Hoppa and Super Metro, both of whom are in the process of converting their fleet to electric buses.

“We thank the Government for supporting BasiGo as we scale electrification of public transport here in Kenya. The transition to clean, electric buses represents more than just impact on the environment. It is an opportunity for Kenya to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for modern EV’s as well as the components that make up those vehicles. We are proud to support Kenya in taking the lead by inaugurating this first-of-its-kind E-Bus assembly line in partnership with KVM,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.

The inauguration of the new line represents a significant step towards sustainability for Kenya’s public transportation system.

CS Miano added: “The Government recognises the critical role that investment such as BasiGo plays in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of our citizens. We have therefore prioritised the creation of a conducive business and investment climate, with robust policies besides streamlining regulations and setting up strategic incentives aimed at attracting and retaining investors.”

BasiGo plans to locally assemble 1,000 E-Buses for Kenyan bus operators over the next three years, an investment that will create 300 green manufacturing jobs in Kenya. Already, BasiGo has over 500 orders from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 100 reservations from bus operators in Kigali, Rwanda.

“We have proven that local assembly is viable and impactful. Now, we urge policymakers to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Together, we can chart a brighter future for mobility in Kenya and Africa,” added Moses Nderitu, the BasiGo Kenya Managing Director.