By Aoma Keziah
Meg Whitman, US Ambassador to Kenya toured the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) high-volume E-Bus assembly line in Thika.
“The U.S. is committed to supporting Kenya’s transition to a green economy, and the development of electric mobility solutions like those pioneered by BasiGo is a critical component of that transition. This assembly line is not just about buses,it’s about building a sustainable future for Kenya and the broader African continent,” observed Ambassador Whitman.
During Ruto’s visit, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced an over KSh32.5 billion new financing package for Kenya which includes investments to advance e-mobility in the country with E-Mobility company BasiGo getting approval for a KSh1.3 bollion loan to help expand its fleet of buses.
Africa heavily relies on Chinese technology for the growth of the EV sector, as Chinese EV technology currently leads on cost and performance.
“In the long-term, as we locally assemble and manufacture these technologies at KVM, Kenya can become the new supply chain hub for the rest of the world,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.
In February 2024, BasiGo completed the assembly of two E9 Kubwa buses, a 9-metre electric bus specifically designed for the Kenyan PSV market.
As the demand for electric buses increases, KVM is set to create 300 green jobs after receiving over 500 reservations from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 300 reservations from bus operators in Kigali, Rwanda.
“The assembly line is currently producing about five buses per month and is expected to increase to 20 buses per month in 2025 to deliver the 500 reservations by operators in Kenya,” said Marian Muthui, BasiGo Kenya Head of Manufacturing.
Citi Hoppa and Super Metro were the first operators to receive locally assembled electric buses, other operators include Oma Sacco, MetroTrans, KBS, Embassava, East Shuttle and Latema Sacco.
Moses Nderitu, Managing Director BasiGo Kenya stated that a key aspect of Africa’s transition to sustainable transport is green industrialization.
“We are talking about a brand new manufacturing sector in terms of the production of EVs. Green growth goes hand in hand with job creation. The transition to clean, electric buses represents more than just an impact on the environment; it is an opportunity for Kenya to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for modern EVs,” Nderitu said.
Whitman’s visit to KVM signifies the growing alliance between the two countries where the United States is eager to see growth in Kenya’s domestic manufacturing sectors. The high-volume assembly line at KVM is set to significantly boost the production of electric buses in Kenya, with BasiGo planning to roll out thousands of units in the coming years, which will not only enhance public transport in Kenya but also create jobs and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Similar Posts by Aoma Keziah:
- CitizenGO Presses Government to Explain Kenya’s UN Vote on Controversial Mandate
- Gachagua Leaves For US Amid Threats And Intimidation By Authorities
- FIDA Condemns Police Brutality, Demands Answers for Children Killed in Protests
- Hundreds of Students Gather in Nairobi to Address Food Insecurity and Climate Change
- Matatu Union Appeals for Calm Ahead of Saba Saba Protests
