Kenya’s First Intercity Fast-Charging Station Officially Opens
Kenya’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has achieved a major milestone. The first 100 kW DC fast-charging station, developed through a partnership between electric bus manufacturer BasiGo and energy company Rubis Energy Kenya, officially opened on July 23 in Sabaki, Athi River. The station is equipped with both CCS2 and GB/T charging standards, capable of fully charging a typical passenger vehicle in under an hour while supporting electric buses, trucks, and vans. The charging rate has been set at KES 48 per kWh.
Moses Nderitu, CEO of BasiGo, stated that the partnership strengthens the business case for electric mobility and lays a foundation for Kenya’s electric transport development. Frederic Maupetit, CEO of Rubis Energy Kenya, described the initiative as a pivotal step in powering Kenya’s sustainable future. Rubis operates over 300 fuel stations across Kenya, East Africa, and Southern Africa, which will gradually transition into EV charging hubs.
Dual-Standard Charging Stations Meet Diverse Market Needs
The launch of the Sabaki charging station marks a significant step in Kenya’s EV charging network development. As Kenya’s EV market evolves, the station supports both the widely used European CCS2 standard and the Chinese GB/T standard. Nderitu explained that early EV imports primarily came from Europe, making CCS2 more prevalent, but recent years have seen a surge in Chinese-made EVs, increasing demand for GB/T compatibility. The new station’s dual-standard design effectively caters to a broad range of vehicle models.
Under the partnership, BasiGo and Rubis Energy Kenya plan to complete additional charging stations in Meru, Nanyuki, and Nyeri by the end of July 2026. These sites will prioritize serving electric bus fleets while remaining open to the public to maximize utilization. Given that Kenya’s passenger EV market remains in its early stages, standalone charging stations struggle to achieve economic viability. However, the consistent demand from electric bus fleets ensures stable operation of the charging network.
Pay-As-You-Drive Model Lowers Barriers for Operators
BasiGo’s pay-as-you-drive program is injecting new momentum into Kenya’s electric bus market. The model separates battery ownership from the vehicle, allowing operators to avoid the high upfront cost of purchasing batteries outright. Instead, they pay for vehicle leasing and battery rental, which includes charging, maintenance, and roadside assistance. This approach significantly reduces initial investment costs, making the total cost of ownership for electric buses comparable to diesel buses and accelerating their adoption.
BasiGo also provides real-time fleet monitoring and data analytics to help operators optimize scheduling and energy management. As the number of electric buses grows, charging station utilization will increase, attracting more passenger EV users and alleviating concerns about insufficient charging infrastructure. Nderitu emphasized that charging station density will directly influence the pace of EV adoption, with this partnership providing long-term momentum for Kenya’s EV market.
Energy Network Transition Accelerates Charging Station Deployment
Rubis Energy Kenya operates over 300 fuel stations across Kenya, East Africa, and Southern Africa. By collaborating with BasiGo, the company is leveraging its existing infrastructure to accelerate the rollout of EV charging stations. BasiGo already operates one of the largest networks of DC fast chargers in East Africa, and this partnership will further expand coverage. Plans include deploying additional charging stations along Kenya’s key transport corridors, with gradual expansion into neighboring countries.
While the launch of these charging stations presents new opportunities for Kenya’s EV development, long-term operations face challenges. The competitiveness of the KES 48 per kWh rate must be evaluated against traditional fuel costs. Additionally, government policies and subsidies will influence the speed of charging infrastructure expansion. However, as electric bus fleets grow, increased charging demand will provide a stable revenue stream for infrastructure development, further driving the adoption of passenger EVs.
