Kenya has taken a bold step toward green mobility with the launch of BasiGo’s electric city bus at CFAO’s Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) plant in Thika, solidifying the country’s position as a regional front-runner in electric vehicle assembly.
Speaking during the unveiling, Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Investments and Industry Lee Kinyanjui hailed the milestone as a game-changer for the transport sector and a boost to Kenya’s industrial capacity.
“BasiGo’s innovative leasing model is a game-changer for transporters, making the shift to electric buses more accessible and affordable. This transition will not only modernize public transport but also cut down on the high fuel consumption that accounts for the largest share of our imports. In doing so, we strengthen both our economy and our energy security,” said CS Kinyanjui.
The plant will enable large-scale assembly of electric buses locally, reducing reliance on imported vehicles and promoting job creation in the automotive sector. According to the Ministry, the initiative also aligns with Kenya’s climate goals by lowering carbon emissions and promoting cleaner, sustainable urban mobility.
BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya expressed optimism about Kenya’s role in shaping Africa’s EV future. “Our vision is to make clean, electric public transport a reality for every Kenyan city.
This assembly plant is proof that Kenya can lead the region in adopting world-class EV solutions,” he said.
Also present at the launch were BasiGo Managing Director Moses Nderitu, Principal Secretary for Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana, and other key stakeholders from the transport and manufacturing sectors.
