BasiGo has launched a pilot program for electric matatus on inter-city routes. The bus manufacturer has partnered with 4NTE SACCO and Manchester Travellers Coach SACCO in the pilot program.
The move marks a significant milestone in extending clean, reliable public transport solutions beyond Nairobi and into regional routes. 4NTE SACCO will pilot a BasiGo electric matatu on the Nyahururu–Nyeri and Nyahururu–Nakuru routes, while Manchester SACCO will operate on the Thika–Nairobi corridor.
The vans will offer a range of up to 300 kilometers on a single charge and a 1.5-hour recharge. In a bid to support seamless inter-city operations, BasiGo has installed charging stations in Nyahururu and Thika. The vans will be offered through BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive lease model, designed to lower the cost barrier for operators looking to electrify their fleet.
BasiGo also plans to locally assemble these electric vans in Kenya, creating new opportunities for job growth and skills development in the country’s clean energy sector. As with its electric buses, BasiGo will provide full after-sales support for the vans, including servicing and maintenance.
“We are delighted to extend electric mobility beyond Nairobi and electrifying an iconic part of Kenya’s history- the matatu,” said Moses Nderitu, the Managing Director, Kenya at BasiGo. “By partnering with visionary SACCOs like 4NTE and Manchester, we’re showing that electric mobility is not only possible but practical for intercity and inter-county transit.”
“We are excited to be early adopters of this technology, especially along inter-city and inter-county routes,” said Wilfred Daniel Kimotho, Chairman of 4NTE Sacco. “This is about embracing innovation and delivering better service to our customers. This partnership places us at the forefront of a transport revolution which is electric, efficient, and built for the future.”
The bus manufacturer aims to deploy over 1,000 electric vans across Kenya in the coming years, supporting the country’s climate commitments, meeting regional mobility needs, and positioning Kenya as a blueprint for clean, inclusive transport solutions.