BasiGo Accelerates Electric Mobility Ambitions with KSh5.4 Billion Injection

Nairobi-based electric bus manufacturer BasiGo is charging full speed ahead. The company has raised KSh5.4 billion (approx. $41.5 million) in a fresh round of equity and debt financing, setting the stage for expanded production and greater EV adoption across Kenya’s public transport system.

This funding round—led by private investors and development partners—cements BasiGo’s position as a formidable player in Africa’s clean energy transportation race. With the injection, the company plans to double its local assembly capacity and roll out hundreds of electric buses over the next year, capitalizing on Kenya’s growing appetite for sustainable transport options.

From Vision to Velocity

Since its inception, BasiGo has taken an ambitious approach to solving Africa’s urban mobility crisis. Its flagship Pay-As-You-Drive model allows matatu owners to operate electric buses without the burden of high upfront costs, democratizing access to EVs for small-scale operators. This financing innovation, paired with Kenya’s renewable-rich energy grid, has made EV transport not just viable, but scalable.

Now, with the latest capital secured, Managing Director Moses Nderitu confirms the firm’s expansion plans include a new assembly line capable of producing 20 buses per month—twice its current rate. This capacity surge aligns with Nairobi’s environmental goals and the broader push toward electrifying Africa’s informal transit systems.

Scaling with Partnerships and Policy Tailwinds

BasiGo’s progress is bolstered by strategic alliances. The firm partners with Kenyan bus operators, battery providers, and local financiers to create an ecosystem that supports electrified mass transit. This holistic model has already seen the deployment of over 30 electric buses on Kenyan roads, providing real-world data and operational experience in Africa’s complex urban terrain.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s government is signaling stronger support for green mobility. With a renewed push for climate finance and incentives to reduce import duties on EV components, companies like BasiGo are riding a regulatory wave that could tilt the market in their favor.

Africa’s EV Momentum: Still Early, But Building

While global EV sales top 14 million units annually, Africa remains a small player. However, startups like BasiGo are rewriting that narrative. With the right blend of innovation, capital, and public-private collaboration, Nairobi could emerge as a continental hub for EV manufacturing.

Beyond Kenya, BasiGo has its sights on regional expansion—potentially exporting its model to cities in Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond. If successful, the company could set a template for sustainable, locally relevant electric mobility across Sub-Saharan Africa.