BasiGo Launches Kenya’s First Electric Matatu Pilot for Inter-City Routes

Kenyan electric mobility company BasiGo has launched a pilot program introducing electric matatus on inter-city routes, a first for the country.

The initiative marks a major milestone in Kenya’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable public transportation.

Launched in partnership with 4NTE SACCO and Manchester Travellers Coach SACCO, the program aims to demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles beyond urban centres like Nairobi, targeting longer regional routes.

Under the pilot, 4NTE SACCO will operate BasiGo’s electric vans on the Nyahururu–Nyeri and Nyahururu–Nakuru routes, while Manchester SACCO will serve the busy Thika–Nairobi corridor. Each vehicle offers a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge and takes only 1.5 hours to recharge,  features that make them well-suited for regional operations.

To support the rollout, BasiGo has installed dedicated charging infrastructure in Nyahururu and Thika, ensuring seamless operations along the selected routes. The electric vans will be available through BasiGo’s innovative Pay-As-You-Drive leasing model, designed to lower the cost of adoption for matatu operators.

“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 for Kenya. “By partnering with visionary SACCOs like 4NTE and Manchester, we’re proving that electric mobility is not only possible but practical for intercity and inter-county transit.”

The company also revealed plans to begin local assembly of the electric vans in Kenya, a move expected to boost job creation and skills development in the clean energy and automotive sectors.

Wilfred Daniel Kimotho, Chairman of 4NTE SACCO, expressed optimism about the shift to electric: “We are excited to be early adopters of this technology, especially for inter-city and inter-county transport. This partnership places us at the forefront of a transport revolution, electric, efficient, and built for the future.”

With plans to deploy over 1,000 electric vans across Kenya in the coming years, BasiGo is positioning itself as a key player in supporting the country’s climate goals while reshaping the future of regional mobility.

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