Kenya’s First Electric Bus Factory Opens in Nairobi

Roam, Kenya’s leading electric mobility startup, has opened East Africa’s first electric bus assembly plant in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. The Ksh2 billion facility, launched in April 2024, can produce 500 buses annually and will create 300 direct jobs. The buses—powered by lithium-iron phosphate batteries—offer 250km range and are already deployed on Nairobi Commuter Rail feeder routes. The project is backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the Norwegian Development Fund. Roam also unveiled an e-boda prototype for last-mile delivery. The factory supports Kenya’s National E-Mobility Strategy and reduces reliance on imported fossil-fuel vehicles.