By Ian Mutiso

Roam, a Kenyan – Swedish green mobility company has launched a 77-seat electric bus at the Nairobi green park terminal in an effort to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transport in the city.

During the launch, Dennis Wakaba, Roam Project coordinator said that the mass transit bus is designed to help “shift towards better public transport, where we can have people ride in comfort and enjoy the ride with a clear conscience because we are talking about zero emissions.”

The bus has a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour and a 384-kilowatt battery pack allowing it to travel 360 kilometers before requiring a two-hour recharge. Running along Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Thika Super Highway it is designed to be accessible and inclusive for people from all walks of life.

The bus fare will be fairer compared to other private transport service providers.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) chairperson, Julius Opiyo stated during the launch that it should pave the way for the production of more electric buses to help the Kenyan transportation sector.

“We have been engaging with the former government on its physical and non-physical incentives that we would like the government to offer our members because we want to see mass production of electric motor vehicles, we would like the lithium battery taxation impediment revised will allow local production and assembling of motor vehicles.” Said Opiyo.

As Kenyan cities like Nairobi and Mombasa continue their fight towards clean energy and ease the mode of transport within the city, this initiative has received recognition from interested organizations and stakeholders.

Kenya sources most of its energy from renewable resources and is seeking to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 32% by 2030

Earlier this year another electric mobility start-up, BasiGo, unveiled a 25-seat bus with a 250-kilometer range for Nairobi roads