Complaints over high cost, charging of electric vehicles
Business
By
Joackim Bwana
| Apr 20, 2024
High prices and maintenance costs are the biggest hindrance to the country's transition from fuel to electric-powered vehicles, say transport stakeholders.
Boda boda, tuktuk, and matatu operators told the E-mobility Task Force in Mombasa that they were concerned about the limited number of charging centres and the high prices for charging the batteries.
Ali Mbarak, chairman of the Coast Matatu Operators Association (MOA), emphasised the need for freedom to choose whether to adopt E-mobility or remain with diesel or petrol vehicles.
"It is good to embrace E-mobility, but let matatu owners decide whether they want to go that route or remain in the fuel era. We need to consider maintenance costs and grill the whole process before making a decision," said Mbarak.
READ MORE
Parents worry as 8-4-4 learners face neglect amid CBE transition
State faces new IMF test as loan talks resume
Let's prioritise quality learning this year
Saudi Arabia sets executions record in 2025, putting 356 people to death
Why Omtatah wants court to block Sh2.8tr railway works
Road accident-related deaths rise by 3.4pc in 2025
Making agriculture 'cool' again: How to win the youth back into big farming
Alarming clause in Religious Organisations Bill threatens our democracy
Two schools in one: Principals brace for complex CBE transition
Dispensaries to offer maternity services under SHA, says Barasa
Benson Njoroge, chair of the Tuktuk Operators Sacco, pointed out that the purchase price for E-mobility tuktuks is almost double that of diesel ones. He also expressed concerns about the stability of electricity supply due to frequent blackouts in the country.
"We are happy to be involved as the largest industry. We have more than 20,000 tuktuks operating within Mombasa. We need clarity on the transition period because the prices are almost double. We are concerned about the stability of electricity because there are frequent blackouts in Mombasa. We don't want people to stay at home because they cannot charge their batteries," said Njoroge.
He suggested having a representative from the bodaboda, tuktuk, and matatu sectors on the task force to ensure their views are heard.
"We want the government to reduce the prices of electronic bodabodas to make them more affordable to purchase and maintain," added Amos Kimei, a bodaboda operator.
Kimei highlighted that the current prices are high, and the cost of charging has been increased, with credit facilities taking advantage of them.
However, Mathew Omondi, national treasurer of the Tuktuk Association, said that tuktuks can be retrofitted without disposing of the old ones.