Kenya took a significant step towards promoting green mobility as it inaugurated its inaugural charging station dedicated to public electric buses on Wednesday. The state-of-the-art facility, capable of simultaneously charging six electric buses with high-power DC fast charging technology, was developed through a collaborative effort between BasiGo, a Kenyan startup, and the state-owned power utility, Kenya Power.
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo, highlighted the milestone achieved with the support of Kenya Power. He emphasized that the charging station became the first to be integrated into Kenya’s recently approved e-mobility tariff, which was passed in March of this year. The innovative tariff structure provides cost-effective electricity rates for electric vehicle charging during nighttime hours, leveraging the surplus of renewable energy supply available in the country.
Joseph Siror, managing director and CEO of Kenya Power, underscored the urgent need to address the transport sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Currently responsible for 12 percent of all emissions, the transport sector’s projected rise to 17 percent by 2030 necessitates immediate action. Siror expressed his belief that supporting the growth and adoption of the e-mobility sector could effectively combat this concerning trend.
The new charging station for public electric buses serves as a beacon of progress in Kenya’s endeavor to embrace sustainable transportation solutions. By providing a reliable infrastructure for electric buses, the country aims to mitigate environmental harm while offering an efficient and eco-friendly mode of public transportation for its citizens.
The launch of the charging station is expected to encourage further investment in Kenya’s electric vehicle ecosystem, attracting both public and private stakeholders. This development aligns with the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement’s climate goals and reinforces its position as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.
As Kenya takes this crucial step towards a greener future, the government and industry stakeholders are optimistic that similar initiatives will gain traction across the nation, accelerating the transition to sustainable and environmentally conscious mobility solutions.
