e-bikes
Photo taken on March 2, 2021 shows an electric motorbike displayed at the United Nations Environment Programme grounds in Nairobi, capital of Kenya

President William Ruto during Madaraka Day said Kenya has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability and supporting the transportation needs of boda boda riders. In September, a new affordable financing scheme will be introduced, specifically targeting e-bikes. This scheme aims to facilitate the acquisition of electric motorcycles, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than their petrol-powered counterparts.

During the Madaraka Day celebrations in Embu, Ruto revealed that the government is actively developing a mechanism to ensure that e-bikes become more accessible to boda-boda riders. The upcoming scheme is expected to resemble the successful affordable housing program, which has allowed low-income Kenyans to fulfill their dreams of owning homes.

“I have some good news for my boda boda friends,” exclaimed President Ruto. “By September, we are developing a mechanism where you can get electric boda bodas that do not operate on petrol but rather run on electricity.”

Currently, boda-boda riders face several challenges when owning petrol-powered motorcycles. The prices of these bikes are steep, making it financially burdensome for riders to purchase them outright. To make matters worse, they often have to rely on loans with high-interest rates to finance the purchase. This situation places an additional financial strain on boda-boda operators, making it difficult for them to earn a decent income.

Also Read: Riding With Thieves: When Asset Financing Turns into Motorcycle Theft

The introduction of an affordable financing scheme for e-bikes will alleviate these challenges. By reducing the overall cost of owning an e-bike, the system will make it much more affordable for boda-boda riders to transition to electric motorcycles. This shift will not only benefit the riders financially but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Electric motorcycles have numerous advantages over their petrol-powered counterparts. They produce zero emissions, resulting in reduced pollution and improved air quality. Additionally, e-bikes offer significant cost savings on fuel expenses since they are powered by electricity, which is generally cheaper than petrol. This shift towards e-bikes will not only benefit the environment but also provide long-term savings for boda-boda operators.

AlSO READ:  Uber Launches New Products and Safety Features Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Moreover, the government’s initiative to introduce an affordable financing scheme for e-bikes will have a positive impact on job creation. The manufacturing and distribution sectors associated with e-bikes will experience a surge in demand, leading to the creation of new employment opportunities. This development aligns with the government’s broader vision of economic growth and prosperity for all Kenyans.

In addition to the affordable financing scheme for e-bikes, the government has plans to implement an electric vehicle public transport system. This further demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to reducing the nation’s reliance on petrol-powered vehicles and improving air quality. The introduction of electric public transport will not only provide commuters with a cleaner and greener mode of transportation but also contribute to a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the Kenyan government’s decision to introduce an affordable financing scheme for e-bikes is a significant and positive step forward. This initiative will not only make electric motorcycles more accessible to boda-boda riders but also contribute to a cleaner environment and cost savings for operators. The scheme will also have a favorable impact on the economy by creating job opportunities in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Additionally, the government’s plans for electric public transport showcase their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options. With these developments, Kenya is paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future.

Follow Techspace Africa on Facebook and Twitter. For the latest news, tech news, breaking news headlines, reviews and live updates check out tech-space.africa


Nigel Jr.
As a tech enthusiast and expert, Nigel Jr. is dedicated to providing in-depth and insightful content on all things technology. With a background in online journalism, product reviewing, and tech creation, Nigel has become a trusted source for all things tech.

You may also like