Kenyan electric mobility startup BasiGo has launched the country’s first pilot program for electric matatus—the iconic public transport minivans—on intercity routes. This marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to decarbonize its public transport sector and extend clean mobility beyond urban centers.
The pilot involves two prominent transport cooperatives, 4NTE Sacco and Manchester Travellers Coach, each deploying one electric van on key intercity routes:
- Nyahururu–Nyeri
- Nyahururu–Nakuru
- Thika–Nairobi
These routes, spanning 100 to 250 kilometers from Nairobi, are heavily trafficked by daily commuters and long-distance travelers. The initiative expands BasiGo’s electric mobility footprint from Nairobi’s congested city streets to regional transport corridors.
Each electric matatu in the pilot fleet is equipped with a 300-kilometer range per charge and can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes. To support the trial, BasiGo has installed dedicated charging stations in Thika and Nyahururu, ensuring operational reliability along the routes.
The vehicles are offered under BasiGo’s innovative “Pay-As-You-Drive” model, a lease-to-own scheme designed to make electric vehicles accessible to matatu operators who may not have the capital for upfront purchases.
“We are delighted to extend electric mobility beyond Nairobi, and electrify an iconic part of Kenya’s history — the matatu,” said Moses Nderitu, BasiGo’s Managing Director. “By partnering with SACCOs like 4NTE and Manchester, we’re showing that electric mobility is not only possible, but practical for intercity and inter-county transit.”
Wilfred Kimotho, chairman of 4NTE Sacco, welcomed the partnership, calling it a “step into the future” and emphasizing the need for the transport sector to embrace clean energy as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Kenya’s matatu industry is largely informal, heavily reliant on diesel, and often resistant to change. Many operators remain skeptical of electric vehicles due to concerns over cost, durability, and charging infrastructure—especially in rural areas where roads are rough and power access is limited.
Despite these hurdles, BasiGo is optimistic. If the pilot proves successful, the company plans to scale up rapidly, with a goal of deploying over 1,000 electric vans across Kenya in the coming years. Like its electric buses, the vans will eventually be assembled locally, supporting job creation and industrial growth.
Founded in 2021, BasiGo has already made significant strides in Kenya’s electric mobility space. In 2024, the company raised $41.5 million to expand its assembly operations in Nairobi, signaling strong investor confidence in its vision.
