CS Kinyanjui: Kenya must invest in e-mobility as first electric bus rolls out in Thika

Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fund pioneering projects that will accelerate the production of electric buses in Kenya, saying the country cannot afford to be left behind in the global shift to e-mobility.

Speaking during the launch of Kenya’s first locally assembled electric bus at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) plant in Thika, Kinyanjui said the state, through the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), is ready to finance innovators and investors in the sector to meet growing market demand.

He underscored that petroleum imports remain Kenya’s largest import bill, consuming huge amounts of foreign exchange. Transitioning to electric vehicles, he noted, could slash petroleum expenditure by up to 30 percent, freeing resources for other key development priorities.

“We must start thinking about investing in charging stations instead of new petrol stations. E-mobility is the future, and Kenya must not be left behind,” the CS stressed, revealing that an investor has already expressed readiness to install charging points along the Mombasa–Malava corridor.

Kinyanjui also praised BasiGo’s innovative leasing model, terming it a game-changer that makes electric buses more accessible and affordable to transporters. He emphasised that the shift to electric mobility will not only ease pressure on foreign reserves but also enhance the country’s energy security and environmental sustainability.

The CS concluded by assuring players that the government will continue to create a conducive environment for e-mobility to thrive, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for electric vehicle assembly and green innovation.

Industry players welcomed the development, noting that it could transform public transport. BasiGo CEO and Co-Founder Jit Bhattacharya announced that the new KingLong production line will assemble up to 20 electric buses per month, helping to meet surging demand that already exceeds 600 orders from PSV operators.

Jin Shoulin, General Manager of King Long Automotive Industry, assured customers of the company’s reliability, citing the recent delivery of 257 electric buses to Morocco as proof of their capacity to deliver at scale.

Meanwhile, Citihoppa Managing Director Judy Thuo urged the government to address electricity costs, warning that high tariffs could discourage operators from embracing electric mobility. She stressed that lowering electricity costs would make the transition more viable and sustainable for matatu investors.

The locally assembled electric bus is expected to pave the way for Kenya’s entry into large-scale electric bus production, positioning the country as a regional hub for e-mobility solutions and reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner, sustainable transport future.

The event was attended by senior industry stakeholders including BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya, Managing Director Moses Nderitu, PS Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana, and representatives from CFAO Motors.