Kenya has officially entered a new era in public transport with the launch of the country’s first inter-city and inter-county electric matatu. In a historic milestone, BasiGo, a leading electric mobility company in Sub-Saharan Africa, has unveiled its new electric vans, a bold step toward cleaner, more sustainable public transport beyond urban centers.
The new electric vans come in 16 and 19-seat capacities and are already operational with Manchester SACCO and 4NTE SACCO. These SACCOs are serving the Nyeri-Nakuru and Thika-Nairobi routes, respectively. The model, known as MA3e, is designed to extend the benefits of electric transportation beyond city limits and into the heart of regional travel.
“This is the future of inter-city transport in Africa,” BasiGo affirmed, emphasizing that their mission is not only about innovation but also about accessibility.
The company highlighted that the new electric vans will be offered through their flexible Pay-As-You-Drive lease model, an initiative created to reduce the financial burden on public transport operators aiming to go electric.
The lease model allows operators to acquire the electric vans without hefty upfront payments, making it easier for SACCOs and independent operators to join the green revolution. “Our Pay-As-You-Drive lease model is designed to lower the cost barrier for operators looking to electrify their fleet,” BasiGo explained.
To ensure seamless operations, BasiGo has also invested in critical infrastructure, including the installation of DC fast chargers in Nyahururu and Thika. These strategically placed charging stations will support uninterrupted travel for electric vans across counties, making inter-city electric travel not only possible but practical.
“BasiGo’s MA3e takes the benefits of affordable, electric public transport outside of the city and into the heart of Kenya’s inter-city and inter-county routes,” the company stated.
This expansion is not only a technological advancement but also a strategic move toward reducing the country’s transport-related carbon emissions.
With local assembly and robust after-sales support forming part of its rollout plan, BasiGo is firmly placing Kenya on the map as a regional leader in electric mobility. Reservations for the new MA3e electric vans are now open, signaling high interest and demand among stakeholders eager to embrace clean, modern transport.
BasiGo’s pioneering step sets the pace for the rest of Africa, proving that sustainable, electric-powered mobility is not just a city affair, it’s the future of transportation across the continent.
