The public transport sector in Kenya has been disrupted by the arrival of electric buses
in 2022. According to commuters, several electric buses have been operational in
Nairobi on a test run, although not all residents have been able to access the buses yet.
Kenyans.co.ke reports that there are three companies currently operating electric buses
within the Nairobi metropolis.
One of the firms, Roam Rapid, operates its buses from the Central Business District
(CBD) to Limuru via Waiyaki Way. The departure time from Koja roundabout to Limuru
is 7.00 am while from Limuru to CBD it’s 8.15 am. The fare is Ksh100, but the price
differs depending on the point of boarding and alighting. The buses pick up and drop
passengers at all stages along the stretch, including 87, Kinoo, Regen, Muthiga, Uthiru,
Mountain View, Kangemi, ABC Place, Safaricom, Westlands, Chiromo, and GPO.
Another company, Neo Kenya, operates electric buses on the Thika Road Route through
a partnership with BasiGo. The buses are available at the Bus Station terminus and
charge the same fare as regular buses, ranging from Ksh30 to Ksh100. Commuters can
access the buses at various pickup points at the Kenya National Archives, Kencom and
Ambassador stop.
BasiGo also produces electric buses for sale and offers them to other bus companies
such as Super Metro and City Hoppa on lease. The company conducts test runs on
various routes and passengers can access the buses based on availability of seats.
Electric buses are considered a safer option than diesel-operated PSVs as they use green
energy and reduce air pollution. The companies operating the electric buses in Nairobi
have reported that the test runs have been successful and they plan to expand the
service in the future.
