Electric Transport Gaining Ground In Nairobi Kenya

By Moraa Nyangorora

Public Transport Goes Electric: Kenya's Journey Towards Sustainable Mobility

@basigo

Local start-up BasiGo is leading the charge with electric buses now running under popular saccos such as Super Metro and Embassava.

“Every trip we make cuts emissions and lowers operating costs for drivers,” says BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya. “Passengers love the smooth, quiet ride.”

Kenya Bus Service (KBS) recently added its first electric bus to the fleet. The operator plans to expand charging infrastructure at depots. This is a sign that e-buses are moving from the pilot stage to the mainstream.

The Rise of the Electric Boda

In the motorcycle taxi sector, change is visible on Nairobi’s streets. Uber Kenya has rolled out electric bodas through its “Electric Boda” option.

The company reports that trips surged by over 90% in the past year. Riders benefit from cheaper running costs.

“I save almost half of what I used to spend on fuel. The battery swap takes minutes, and I’m back on the road,” says Peter Mwangi, an Uber boda rider.

Climate Action in Motion

Transport contributes nearly 20% of Kenya’s greenhouse gas emissions. Under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Kenya has pledged a 32% cut in emissions by 2030. The shift to electric mobility is a cornerstone of that pathway.

Energy expert Brian Nyangena of Verst Carbon puts it simply:

“Clean mobility is climate action you can see on the streets. Every electric bus or boda not only reduces emissions but also makes our cities healthier.”

The Road Ahead

Challenges remain—upfront costs, charging networks, and financing models.

However, with Kenya’s grid already powered by more than 80% renewables, the climate payoff from e-mobility is immediate and significant.

Kenya’s electric transport story is no longer just about pilots; it’s about scale. As more passengers, riders, and operators make the switch, the road to a low-carbon future looks promising.

“Transport accounts for nearly 40% of energy-related emissions in Kenya. Electric mobility isn’t just a trend—it’s a climate necessity,” says Dr. Joyce Msuya, a climate policy expert.

The Economic Benefits of Electric Mobility

Switching to electric transport is not just an environmental decision; it also makes economic sense.

Matatu operator Peter Kamau, who runs one of the Embassava Sacco electric buses, shares:

“Switching to an e-bus cut my fuel costs by nearly half. Passengers appreciate the quiet ride, and I know I’m contributing to cleaner air in the city.”

Motorcycle riders are also excited about this mode of mobility for its fuel efficiency, resulting in more profits.

“I save up to KSh 300 daily on fuel. For me, it’s not just business—it’s a chance to be part of climate solutions,” says Janet Achieng, an Uber boda rider.

The Role of Policy in Driving Change

Kenya’s updated NDCs commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030. Electric mobility provides a practical pathway, tackling urban pollution, reducing oil imports, and powering transport with Kenya’s renewable-rich grid.

E-buses. E-bodas. Clean power. Kenya is driving climate action.

“With over 90% of our electricity coming from renewables, e-mobility makes Kenya a global leader in sustainable transport,” says Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira.

Community Engagement and Awareness

To ensure the success of electric mobility, community engagement is crucial.

Awareness campaigns can help citizens understand the benefits of electric transport.

Workshops and informational sessions can demystify electric vehicles and encourage more people to consider them as viable options.

The Future of Electric Transport in Kenya

Electric mobility is now fully on the road, carrying passengers, riders, and the nation toward climate resilience.

However, electric transport uptake in Kenya remains limited by high vehicle costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply, and low public awareness. ,

Only about 9,000 EVs were registered nationwide, mostly electric motorcycles concentrated in urban areas.

These constraints, coupled with regulatory gaps and expensive battery maintenance, slow adoption despite growing interest and policy support.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Communities Worldwide Draw the Line: Fossil Fuel Phase-Out and the Push for Renewables

By Moraa Nyangorora

From Belem to Nairobi, activists demand a fast and fair transition to renewable energy ahead of COP30.

Movements in 93 countries are uniting under the banner, Draw the Line, to demand an end to fossil fuel expansion, pushing for a just transition.

A press release, "Movements Worldwide Draw the Line Against Genocide, Injustice, Fossil Fuels, and Call for Rights, Jobs and Justice" (issued 15 September 2025), quotes protestors demanding " a feminist, fast, fair, funded and forever phase out of fossil fuels, investment in renewable energy, and resilient food systems"

Anne Jellema, chief executive of 350.org, put it bluntly:

“This mobilisation is about power, people's power. The power to reject the lies of fossil fuel billionaires and remake our world for the many, not the few. We are drawing the line, because when governments fail to act, we rise”.

This unity of communities around the globe adds impetus to climate change efforts.

The timing is significant, as the U.S, one of the largest and leading historical emitters, pulled back from international climate commitments.

People taking the lead under this movement may just be the pressure needed to end fossil fuels.

Activists planned thousands of actions across the globe, including strikes, festivals, marches and cultural events.

The movement has people mobilised from across cities; Johannesburg, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Karachi, New York, Nairobi, Lahore, Paris, Berlin, Jakarta, Tokyo, Dhaka, Manila, Cotonou, Ottawa, Melbourne, Suva, London and B.elem

For Global South leaders, the US disengagement deepens the urgency for reparations. Dr Arjun Kumar Karki of Rural Reconstruction Nepal reinforces this reality.

"We demand the full delivery of climate finance obligations of the global North for urgent climate action, including Just Transition. This is a crucial part of their reparations for historical and continuing harm to our people."

The movement opposes what it describes as false technological fixes that powerful states promote instead of genuine commitments.

The rallying call from participating countries is urgent action to protect the planet.

Tasneem Essop, the Executive Director, said that the climate situation is a crisis that needs urgent action.

"The global movement is rising up to respond to the moment with the launch of this action. Youth, women, communities across our ravaged planet are drawing the line against those fighting to keep us locked in a world of pollution, exploitation, wars and injustice".

SOLUTIONS IN MOTION

Indigenous-led solar microgrids in the Amazon.

Wind cooperatives among fisherfolk in Asia.

Biogas innovations by African smallholder farmers

 “From Fossils: The 4 Steps of a Just Transition”

Phase Out Fossil Fuels

Scale Up Renewables

Fund Climate Action

Create Green Jobs

Understanding Privacy Policy Guidelines in Kenya: Privacy Compliance Basics

In today’s digital world, protecting personal information is more important than ever. As we share data online, understanding how privacy works in Kenya becomes essential. Whether you’re a climate activist, policymaker, researcher, or an engaged citizen, knowing the rules around data privacy helps you navigate the digital space safely and responsibly. Let’s dive into the privacy compliance basics and explore what Kenya’s privacy policy guidelines mean for all of us.

What Are Privacy Compliance Basics?

Privacy compliance basics refer to the fundamental principles and legal requirements that organizations and individuals must follow to protect personal data. In Kenya, these rules are designed to ensure that personal information is collected, stored, and used responsibly. The goal is to prevent misuse, unauthorized access, and breaches that could harm individuals or communities.

Kenya’s data protection framework is anchored in the Data Protection Act, 2019. This law aligns with global standards like the European Union’s GDPR but is tailored to Kenya’s unique context. It sets out clear responsibilities for data controllers (those who collect data) and data processors (those who handle data on behalf of others).

Here are some key points to understand:

• Consent: Organizations must get clear permission before collecting personal data.

• Purpose Limitation: Data should only be used for the reasons it was collected.

• Data Minimization: Only necessary data should be collected.

• Security: Adequate measures must protect data from breaches.

• Transparency: Individuals have the right to know how their data is used.

  
  

These basics form the foundation of privacy compliance in Kenya and guide how we handle sensitive information.

Privacy compliance documents on a desk

Navigating Kenya’s Privacy Policy Guidelines

Understanding the privacy policy guidelines in Kenya is crucial for anyone handling personal data. These guidelines provide detailed instructions on how to comply with the Data Protection Act and protect individuals’ privacy rights.

For example, if you run a website or an app that collects user information, you must have a clear privacy policy. This policy should explain:

• What data you collect

• Why you collect it

• How you store and protect it

• Who you share it with

• How users can access or delete their data

  
  

Transparency builds trust. When people know their data is safe and used fairly, they are more likely to engage with your platform or service.

Practical Steps to Follow

1. Draft a Clear Privacy Policy: Use simple language. Avoid jargon. Make it easy for users to understand.

2. Obtain Explicit Consent: Use checkboxes or other clear methods to get permission before collecting data.

3. Limit Data Collection: Only ask for what you need. For instance, if you’re running a climate survey, don’t collect unrelated personal details.

4. Secure Your Data: Use encryption, strong passwords, and regular security audits.

5. Train Your Team: Everyone handling data should know the rules and best practices.

   
   

By following these steps, you ensure your work respects privacy and complies with Kenyan law.

The Role of Privacy in Ethical Journalism and Climate Advocacy

Ethical journalism and climate advocacy rely heavily on trust. When sharing stories about climate change, health, or community issues, protecting the privacy of sources and participants is non-negotiable. This is especially true in Kenya, where sensitive data can have serious consequences if mishandled.

For example, a journalist reporting on environmental pollution might interview local residents. These individuals may share personal experiences or health information. It’s the journalist’s responsibility to safeguard this data, ensuring it is not exposed or misused.

Similarly, climate activists collecting data on environmental impacts must respect privacy. This means anonymizing data where possible and securing consent before sharing information publicly.

Privacy compliance is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral commitment to protect vulnerable voices and foster informed dialogue.

Editing a privacy policy document on a laptop

Challenges and Opportunities in Kenya’s Privacy Landscape

Kenya’s journey toward robust data protection is ongoing. While the Data Protection Act provides a strong framework, challenges remain:

• Awareness: Many organizations and individuals are still learning about their privacy obligations.

• Enforcement: Regulatory bodies are building capacity to monitor and enforce compliance.

• Technology: Rapid digital growth means new privacy risks emerge constantly.

• Cultural Factors: Balancing traditional community values with modern privacy expectations can be complex.

  
  

Despite these challenges, there are exciting opportunities. Kenya is becoming a leader in digital innovation in Africa. By embracing privacy compliance basics, organizations can build stronger relationships with their audiences and partners. This trust is essential for driving positive change, especially in areas like climate action and public health.

Moving Forward with Privacy in Mind

As we engage with digital tools and platforms, privacy should be at the forefront of our minds. Whether you’re sharing data, conducting research, or telling stories, respecting privacy strengthens our collective impact.

Here are some final recommendations to keep privacy top of mind:

• Stay Informed: Laws and guidelines evolve. Keep up with updates from Kenya’s Data Protection Commissioner.

• Engage Your Community: Educate those you work with about privacy rights and responsibilities.

• Use Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: Tools like data anonymization and secure communication channels help protect information.

• Advocate for Stronger Protections: Support policies that promote transparency and accountability.

  
  

By embedding privacy compliance basics into our work, we contribute to a safer, more ethical digital environment. This aligns perfectly with the mission of platforms like Integrity Alliance KE, which aim to connect local stories to global conversations with integrity and inclusiveness.

Privacy is not just a rule to follow; it’s a shared value that empowers us all.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of privacy policy guidelines in Kenya. Let’s continue to champion privacy as a cornerstone of ethical, impactful work in climate advocacy and beyond.