BasiGo Electric Bus Expansion Doubles Output to Cut 500-Unit Backlog in Kenya
Electric bus manufacturer BasiGo has doubled its monthly assembly output from 10 to 20 buses after raising KSh5.4 billion, as part of a larger electric bus expansion effort.
The October 2024 funding round, led by infrastructure investor Africa50, marked a turning point for the company. The capital was allocated toward purchasing assembly kits, enhancing tools, setting up charging depots, and scaling up its workforce. These upgrades have significantly increased BasiGo’s capacity to fulfill orders in Kenya’s growing electric mobility market.
At the previous production rate, BasiGo would have needed over four decades to meet demand. With the current output, the company plans to deliver 80 more electric buses by the end of 2025. This move brings the total fleet on Kenyan roads to 130 and helps reduce a lingering backlog of over 500 units.
Since launching in 2021, the Nairobi-based company has delivered only 51 electric buses, underscoring the limited impact of the recent BasiGo electric bus expansion. The new targets signal stronger momentum toward building Kenya’s domestic EV production base and reducing reliance on fossil-fueled public transit.
Surge in Demand, Shift in Strategy
BasiGo halted deposit-taking in 2024 due to overwhelming demand. More than 1,000 operators now lie on a waiting list to procure clean-energy buses. The lease-based model is a distinctive service concept that helps transport operators join the EV transition at a lower upfront cost.
In this scheme, the clients pay a deposit of KSh1 million, plus usage costs at KSh65 per kilometer, with a minimum usage of 6,000 kilometers per month-about KSh390,000 in operating charges.
The expansion of BasiGo electric buses is also supported by Kenya’s general thrust toward clean transport solutions. Diesel prices are skyrocketing; therefore, there’s a massive push to curb urban emissions.
Infrastructure Growth and Regional Reach
Part of the cash infusion at BasiGo has been used to grow the EV infrastructure footprint, especially around Nairobi. Charging depots are now in place along key routes, including Jogoo Road, Thika Road, and Ngong Road.
In addition to Kenyan operations, the company has entered Rwanda, where it imports and sells fully built electric buses. Local assembly and deployment in Kenya remain the priority. The long-term goal is to conceptualize a scalable EV production activity that could be adapted and taken to other African markets.
The current expansion of BasiGo electric buses is symbolic of investor confidence growing in the space, amidst growing public acceptance of electric transit alternatives.
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2026, BasiGo plans to have half of its backlog fulfilled, resuming new orders, thus empowering the progress of cementing Kenya’s position as the regional leader in electric mobility.
Demand is showing no signs of slowing as BasiGo continues to scale EV bus production. This success story may open the gateway for broader investment into Africa’s sustainable transport ecosystem.
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