Bolt to invest N582 million in Kenya to boost the country’s electric mobility initiatives

E-hailing service provider Bolt has revealed plans to support Kenya’s emerging electric mobility scene with around N582 million (Sh10 million).

The investment will help the company complement existing mobility solutions with the electric variant and comes nearly a week after major rival Uber, launched a fleet of electric motor taxis (boda boda) in the country. 

According to Bolt’s co-founder Martin Villig, the company’s new plan is geared at providing Kenyan customers with the option of electric vehicles (EVs) when hailing a ride. Villig claimed that the goal was to make this service operational in the next 12 months. Villig shared this comment during the annual Tallinn Digital Summit which had a delegation from Kenya in attendance. 

“We start the EV transition from smaller vehicles such as the two and three-wheelers which are more affordable. We will work with electric car manufacturers to see what are the more affordable and reliable models for the drivers,” he said.

Villig further stated that Bolt would collaborate with banks to provide financing to citizens. He also envisioned that electric two and three-wheelers would gain more prominence in the country within the next two to three years. The group from Kenya assessed electric mobility offerings like scooters at Bolt’s Headquarters during its visit.

Regarding safety concerns about Bolt’s platform, the company stated that it was working with Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to revamp its registry of drivers with an eye out for questionable characters. Bolt has been called out repeatedly over kidnapping incidents involving clients in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. 

Read also: Uber launches “Electric Boda” in Kenya, positioning itself as e-hailing for the future

Bolt highlights the importance of EV infrastructure 

EVs are considered to be a better mobility solution given their low carbon emissions and other benefits. As such, it makes sense for players in the mobility space to seek ways to leverage the above fact. 

However, certain measures must be implemented to enable a smooth transition from petrol vehicles. This includes the establishment of charging stations, and the provision of tax rebates to ease the purchase of EVs, among other things. 

Villig commented on this topic. “This means the infrastructure of charging stations and battery swapping opportunities will be necessary. On the food delivery side, we already have e-mobility solutions on the ride-hailing side,” he said.  It is worth mentioning that Bolt has a fleet of 40 e-bikes used for deliveries within Nairobi. 

Aside from the private sector, the government has also expressed support for the electric mobility scene. In June, President William Ruto announced that his administration would roll out a system that would simplify the process of getting a motorbike for the taxi business. What’s more, the bike will run on electric charges. 

Like Kenya, many African countries are exploring ways to introduce electric mobility solutions. Given the dearth of infrastructure and lack of awareness of its benefits, it is a tough task. Whether it is doable will be seen in the coming years.