Mobility Archives

In Nairobi on an average weekday, more than 20,000 fossil-fuel vehicles ferry commuters to work, making the public transport service sector one of the main contributors of air pollution in the city.

BasiGo is an e-mobility start-up seeking to revolutionize the public transportation sector by providing private bus owners with a cost-effective electric alternative to diesel. BasiGo’s Pay-as-you-Drive financing opens up the world of the K6 bus. Manufactured by China’s BYD Automotive and soon to be built locally, these 25- and 36-seater buses already serve commuters in over 50 countries and 300 cities worldwide.

BasiGo has set up a charging and servicing depot next door to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and its two pilot buses launched in early-2022. BasiGo plans to supply 1,000 BasiGo buses to Nairobi’s transport operators in the next five years.

With East Africa’s abundant renewable energy, this market can leapfrog to clean, modern electric transit at the exact moment that African cities emerge as the next centre of economic growth. Our mission is to make East Africa a leader in inclusive, sustainable bus transport.

Jit Bhattacharya Co-founder

At a glance

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Kenyans die each year as a result of air pollution

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of all passenger trips in African cities are by diesel bus

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time it takes to recharge a BasiGo bus

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range of a BasiGo bus

"The BasiGo team’s audacious vision is transforming the public transport sector in Africa, creating a vastly improved experience for commuters as well as better air quality in Nairobi’s dense urban neighbourhoods."