Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) in collaboration with Roam electric firm launched the first-ever electric mass transit bus which seeks to address the unique challenges of public transport in the country through reliable, sustainable, efficient, and modern mass transit solutions.
Persons With Disabilities will also enjoy the transport services which are disability-friendly and accessible to them.
The bus will address challenges raised by Flone Initiative’s survey findings which noted that women and Persons with Disabilities are the main victims of harassment in the transport sector.
This launch is the first step in Roam’s vision to see city streets paved with hundreds of electric buses by 2023. Initially, the target is the Nairobi Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) tender which will see the deployment of 100 buses onto Kenyan roads.
Speaking at Greenpark during the launch, Dennis Wakaba Roam Transport representative said the bus has a capacity of up to 77 passengers, is gender responsive and disability friendly, and can travel 360 km when fully charged.
Wakaba further added that the bus is more than a 60 percent cheaper to operate with lower maintenance than a diesel bus.
Kenya National chamber of commerce and industry (KNCCI) chairman Julius Opio has applauded the launch for having a positive social, economic and environmental impact and promised to offer full support to the project.
KPLC representative Rosemary Oduor noted that the transport system contributes to more than 10 percent of the carbon emission in the country and applauded the launch of the eco-friendly bus.
KPLC has also promised to partner with Roam and other stakeholders to provide electric mobility systems in the country.