Nairobi's electric taxi fleet aims to transform public transport landscape

Infrastructure development poses a challenge for adopting electric vehicles in the country.

 The situation has worsened due to inadequate charging stations, which are essential to support the growing demand for electric transport.

Industry leaders say improved infrastructure along highways and in urban centres is necessary to encourage the shift to greener public transport.

In response to these challenges, a fleet of 100 electric taxis launched in Nairobi aims to transform the city’s public transport system.

The initiative, spearheaded by Moja EV, plans to introduce a total of 500 electric vehicles by the first quarter of next year.

“The main reason for this was for us to be the first ones to push the vehicles into the market so that when the other players come in, we will be already there. We decided to go with taxis because 80 per cent of Nairobi's population uses public transport. For us to make it effective, we need safer, comfortable, efficient, and clean environments,” said Eric Lumalas, Head of Operations at Moja EV.

The company plans to implement a leasing-to-own model to assist taxi drivers who often struggle to secure bank loans.

“By removing the owner of the car from the equation, drivers can retain more earnings while also building a banking history that will enable them to secure loans in the future,” Lumalas said.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment Adan Duale lauded the government's commitment to climate action. He noted that the launch aligns with Kenya's climate goals and efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 2032.

 The company intends to create a sustainable ecosystem with a network of 35 charging stations across the country