Kenya has received a substantial financial boost from the European Union in the form of Ksh 50 billion ($378 million) to enhance the electrification of its public transport system. This financing will enable Kenya to build the infrastructure needed to make its bus rapid transit system more efficient and cost-effective. The President of Kenya, William Ruto, recently met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, to finalize this agreement.
As part of this deal, Kenya's upcoming Green Mobility—Nairobi core bus rapid transit line 3 (BRT 3) will feature zero-emission electric buses and introduce intelligent transport system features. This news is a significant step forward, as Kenya had initially announced in February 2022 that only electric vehicles would operate on the BRT system, but the funds needed to execute this plan were not readily available. The fresh influx of financing provides new hope for Kenya's plans, especially for Nairobi, it's capital city.
This financial boost towards electric public transport comes at a crucial time for Kenya as the country grapples with fuel shortages, resulting in increased fuel prices and negatively affecting the living standards of many Kenyans. Additionally, Kenya faces a severe air pollution crisis that claims lives and adversely affects the health of thousands of Kenyans. In 2019 alone, over 5000 premature deaths were attributed to air pollution in Kenya.
These challenges have created an enabling environment for electric mobility options to flourish in Kenya as the government collaborates with private companies like Little and Bolt on the EV charge. The electrification of public transport will help reduce air pollution and improve the living standards of Kenyans. It is also a significant step towards achieving Kenya's goal of reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
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