Tuk Tuk Operators Go Electric in Climate Fight

The Tuk Tuk Operators Network and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have launched a campaign to support the journey towards a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive transport future for Kenya.

This is with an aim of embracing electric Tuk Tuks that will soon begin operating on the Kenyan roads.

Tuk Tuk Operators Network national chairperson Vincent Were said this is in line with President William Ruto’s clarion call for domestic solutions to climate change.

“We are welcoming innovations that will empower our operators through affordable, reliable, and modern mobility solutions. The aim is to cut down harmful emissions, helping our towns and cities breathe cleaner air. We want Tuk Tuk operators to rally among other Kenyans and help conserve our environment by tapping into renewable and clean energy sources,” he said.

“This initiative is fully aligned with the Government of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya’s commitment to climate action. Together, we are co-creating the backbone of Kenya’s e-mobility ecosystem,” added Were.

NTSA’s Road Safety Manager and Director of Programs, Samuel Musumba, said the adoption of electric tuk-tuks is a step towards embracing the new technologies that help Kenyan drivers adopt cheap and clean green energy.

 They were speaking during the pre-launch of Alpha Electric Tuk Tuks in Nairobi, a partnership with Alpha E-Mobility, a global company that is devising ways of ensuring road mobility goes electronic.

 “We are witnessing a situation whereby the consumption of fossil fuels will go down as the adoption of solar and electric grid power goes up. This will in turn reduce the overall cost of operating tuk tuks and encourage more investment in the sector,” said Musumba.

 “In turn, we will be embracing green energy on our roads and at the same time eliminating noise pollution and ensuring that communities, access to safe, secure, inclusive, and affordable transport solutions,” added Musumba.

The partnership is designed to create green jobs for our youth by bringing the electric tuk-tuks into the country for local assembly, empowering both drivers and mechanics and also opening up opportunities for assemblers, technicians, fleet managers, and innovators in clean energy solutions.

Alpha E-Mobility is also introducing battery banks and modelled swapping centres powered by solar energy, making operations cheaper, faster, and greener for tuk-tuk operators.

“This is not just about tuk-tuks. It is about people. It is about families. It is about the environment we leave behind for our children. It is about a transport system that empowers, not exploits. It is about building an economy where the informal transport sector stands tall as a pillar of resilience, sustainability, and innovation,” said Were at the launch.

“As the Tuk Tuk Operators Network, we are proud to champion this cause. We thank the Government of Kenya for its supportive policies, our partners Alpha E-Mobility for their technical expertise, and all stakeholders who continue to believe in the potential of this sector,” he added.

The Alpha E Mobility solutions manager for Kenya, Ms Kinyar Karang,  said the designs being offered for electric tuk-tuks will be good for the Kenyan market as they will bring more inclusivity for female drivers, integrate solar and electric grid systems and are developed to be fitted with radios and charging systems for the comfort of passengers.

“The new designs with the electric tuk tuks create spacious front and rear seating, comfortable leg room, maximised space for personal belongings and flexible flip seats designed for convenience,” said Kinyar.

“The safety and enduring durability are achieved from the reinforced chassis, super strong load-bearing capacity, auto-grade vacuum tires suitable for high-speed driving and an integrated rear axle robust for stability,” added Kinyar.

The tuk-tuk sector currently boasts an estimated 205,000 tuk-tuks across the country, with a growing number in major urban cities.

“At this pre-launch, we have seen great innovations in terms of the additional features and increased space in the electric tuk-tuks. For the first time in Kenya, we are also witnessing the uptake of ambulances that are tuk-tuk.” Said Musumba.

The ground stakeholder launch for the Alpha electric tuk-tuks will take place in Kisumu County at Ola grounds on Saturday, 30th August 2025.