In a major step toward sustainable transportation, electric mobility company BasiGo has launched a pilot program for electric matatus on inter-city routes in Kenya. The initiative is designed to extend the use of electric public service vehicles beyond Nairobi and into regional travel corridors, signaling a shift in Kenya’s approach to cleaner and more efficient transport.
The pilot, launched in Nyahururu, marks the first time electric matatus are being tested for long-distance travel in the country. In collaboration with 4NTE SACCO and Manchester Travellers Coach SACCO, BasiGo has begun operating electric vans on key routes including Nyahururu–Nyeri, Nyahururu–Nairobi, Nyahururu–Nakuru, and Thika–Nairobi. These routes have traditionally been dominated by diesel-powered vehicles, making this transition a critical development in reducing transport-related emissions.
Each electric van can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge, making them well-suited for regional routes. The vehicles also feature rapid charging capabilities, taking only 1.5 hours to fully recharge. To support this infrastructure, new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been installed in Nyahururu and Thika key transit hubs that will facilitate uninterrupted service for the test period.
So far, two electric vans have been deployed for the pilot, which will run over a three-month period. Depending on the performance and customer reception during this phase, participating SACCOs are considering placing more orders to expand the electric fleet. This test will provide valuable data on operational costs, charging logistics, and the overall viability of electric matatus in longer-distance scenarios.
The pilot represents a bold move to transform Kenya’s public transport system into a cleaner and more environmentally friendly model. It also complements national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. With electric vehicle adoption gaining momentum in urban areas like Nairobi, the expansion into inter-city travel broadens the impact of sustainable transport across the country.
If successful, BasiGo plans to roll out more than 1,000 electric public service vehicles on long-distance routes, setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious transport in Kenya. The move is expected to improve air quality, lower operating costs for transport operators, and pave the way for a greener future in the region.
