Rembo Classic Sacco’s decision to bring electric buses to Kenya’s Kajiado County is a game-changer for the country’s public transport system, showcasing a shift toward sustainability and innovation.
This step positions Rembo Classic as a leader in sustainable transport in Kenya while offering economic, environmental, and social benefits to the industry and the public.
Rembo Classic Sacco has introduced two electric buses, becoming the first Sacco in Kajiado County to adopt electric mobility.
The launch coincided with World Sustainable Transport Day, emphasizing their dedication to cutting carbon emissions and advancing green technology in Kenya’s public transport solutions.
These buses are set to run on key routes serving high-demand areas, ensuring they provide better accessibility and convenience for commuters.
How It Stands Out
The switch to electric buses brings major changes compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles:
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Environmental Impact: Electric buses produce zero emissions, improving air quality and helping to reduce greenhouse gases. This supports Kenya’s goals to fight climate change and adopt greener practices.
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Cost Savings: Electric vehicles (EVs) offer much lower operating costs for transport businesses. For example, operators could save up to Ksh 8,600 daily on fuel for a 260-kilometer trip, which is about two-thirds less than what diesel buses cost.
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Job Creation: The rise of electric mobility is set to create green jobs in manufacturing and maintenance. BasiGo, the company supplying the buses, plans to create 300 jobs in Kenya through its local production efforts.
Transforming the Industry
The move by Rembo Classic is part of a larger wave of change as more transport operators in Kenya embrace electric mobility.
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BasiGo’s goal to assemble 1,000 electric buses in three years reflects growing confidence in the technology.
Local assembly of these vehicles is driving job creation and positioning Kenya as a leader in green technology in Africa.
The collaboration between Rembo Classic Sacco and BasiGo demonstrates how partnerships can fuel innovation in public transport.
BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive financing model is helping operators adopt electric buses without heavy upfront costs.
This leasing system reduces financial barriers, making it easier for more operators to transition to EVs.
Kenya’s government is also supporting this shift by encouraging local assembly and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
Funding from partners like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is strengthening these efforts, aligning with Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the transport sector.
Benefits for Society
The introduction of electric buses in Kenya will improve public transport by offering reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly options.
The buses are set to operate on busy routes such as Kitengela-CBD-Upper Hill-Westlands, making them accessible to a large number of commuters.
Passengers will also benefit from quieter and smoother rides, which make the travel experience more enjoyable.
This change supports a cleaner and healthier urban environment, keeping pace with global trends toward greener cities.
The partnership with BasiGo is also strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations by fostering shared progress in green technology in Kenya.
Investments like the DFC’s funding signal a commitment to advancing Kenya’s sustainable transportation solutions while deepening economic ties.
Community involvement will play a key role in the success of this project.
Educating commuters about the advantages of electric buses can encourage greater acceptance and inspire a shift toward sustainability.
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