Nairobi-based startup BasiGo is working to decarbonize public transportation in sub-Saharan Africa by replacing diesel-powered buses with electric alternatives. Founded in 2021, the company utilizes a unique pay-as-you-drive business model to lower the high upfront costs typically associated with electric vehicles. By leasing buses and providing comprehensive maintenance and charging infrastructure, BasiGo makes sustainable transport accessible to local bus cooperatives. The company currently operates over 100 electric buses in Kenya and Rwanda, which are assembled locally using components from Chinese manufacturers. Beyond reducing carbon emissions—estimated at 50 tons per bus annually—the initiative leverages Kenya’s renewable energy grid to boost local economic stability. While the company faces challenges regarding infrastructure costs and the need for specialized technical training, its model offers a scalable path toward cleaner urban air and improved public health across the region.
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