NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – Electric mobility company Kibo Africa plans to deploy 10,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya over the next 12 months as it seeks to expand its footprint in the country’s fast-growing boda boda sector.
The rollout will be supported by a partnership with energy company Powerhive, which will develop battery-swapping infrastructure to enable riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones.
The plan was unveiled during the launch of the Kibo Spark electric motorcycle in Nairobi, where the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on electric mobility solutions.
Kibo Africa Director Felix Mulwa said the company has spent the past three years testing the motorcycles and is now ready for commercial deployment, beginning with Nairobi before expanding to other regions.
“We plan to launch around 10,000 bikes in the next 12 months in the market,” Mulwa said.
The company is targeting Kenya’s boda boda industry, which supports millions of livelihoods and has become a key focus for firms promoting electric transport alternatives.
According to Mulwa, riders will be able to access battery-swapping stations across Nairobi, reducing downtime associated with charging and helping lower operating costs.
“With the current increase in fuel prices, a rider can be able to save around Sh500 to Sh600 per day compared to fuel motorcycles,” he said.
Kibo Africa said it aims to scale up deployment to about 30,000 electric motorcycles over the next three years.
Powerhive Chief Executive Officer Christopher Hornor said the partnership combines Kibo Africa’s motorcycle expertise with the company’s experience in energy infrastructure development.
Hornor noted that Powerhive has operated in Kenya for more than a decade through mini-grid energy projects and currently serves thousands of customers.
“We’re committed to building the energy infrastructure layer all over Africa, starting in Kenya,” he said.
Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s leading markets for electric mobility, with several companies investing in electric motorcycles, charging stations and battery-swapping networks.
Industry players argue that lower fuel and maintenance costs, coupled with growing environmental concerns, are driving interest in electric motorcycles as an alternative to conventional petrol-powered bikes.
The Kibo Africa-Powerhive partnership is expected to contribute to the expansion of Kenya’s electric mobility ecosystem while supporting efforts to reduce emissions from the transport sector.
