BasiGo is a Nairobi-based Kenyan company that specializes in electric buses, offering them to local bus operators through leasing arrangements. Initially, the company imported fully or semi-assembled electric buses from Chinese automaker BYD Auto. However, beginning in 2023, BasiGo partnered with Associated Vehicle Assemblers to complete the bus assembly process locally in Kenya. The company was co-founded in 2021 by Jonathan Green and Jit Bhattacharya.
By 2023, BasiGo had a fleet of nearly 20 electric buses. These include BYD K6 models with 25-seat capacity and the larger E9 Kubwa buses, which can carry 36 passengers.
Company Background and Launch
The idea for BasiGo emerged in the wake of COVID-19-era diesel restrictions and heightened environmental concerns. In response, co-founder and CEO Jit Bhattacharya spearheaded the development of Nairobi’s first electric buses.
On November 2, 2021, BasiGo officially launched with a pre-seed investment of $1 million. The company introduced its first two electric buses on March 22, 2022. These BYD K6 buses operated under the matatu companies Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle. One followed the Buruburu–Dandora route, while the other served the Allsops–JKIA–CBD corridor. Within six months, the buses had collectively traveled 150,000 kilometers and transported more than 155,000 passengers.
Following this initial success, BasiGo imported 15 more BYD K6 buses, which arrived at the Mombasa port on November 30, 2022. These buses were only partially assembled and were completed locally by Associated Vehicle Assemblers. They were officially launched into service in Nairobi on February 14, 2023.
Regional Expansion into Rwanda
On July 26, 2023, BasiGo took steps to expand beyond Kenya by signing letters of intent with three major Rwandan bus operators—Royal Express, Volcano Express, and Kigali Bus Service. These agreements introduced their “Pay-As-You-Drive” leasing model to Rwanda. Additionally, BasiGo partnered with AC Mobility, a Rwandan company that provides automated fare collection systems.
Later in November, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded BasiGo $1.5 million to conduct market research in Rwanda. The study focused on the financial viability of electric buses and included plans to monitor urban pollution reductions attributed to the new buses. By December 2023, the first two electric buses designated for Rwanda had arrived at the Mombasa port.
Leasing Model
After assembling and testing their first units, BasiGo launched a unique leasing model tailored for local matatu companies. The leasing comes in two forms:
- Chassis-only purchase: Operators can buy the electric bus minus its battery for $35,600. BasiGo then leases the battery to the operator, who pays $0.16 per kilometer driven.
- Full lease: Operators make an initial deposit and pay off the remaining balance over time while using the bus.
By 2023, BasiGo had leased buses to five Nairobi-based shuttle companies.
| Shuttle Operator | Buses | Model | Routes |
| Citi Hoppa | 1 | BYD K6 | CBD, Allsops, JKIA |
| East Shuttle | 1 | BYD K6 | Buruburu, Dandora |
| OMA Services | 2 | BYD K6 | CBD, Jogoo Road, Buruburu, Civil Servants |
| Embassava | 4 | BYD K6 | CBD, Jacaranda Estate, Nyayo Estate |
| Super Metro | 1 | BYD K6 | CBD, Kikuyu, Kitengela |
| Metro Trans | 5 | BYD K6 | Utawala, Community–Upperhill, Kiambu |
Electric Charging Infrastructure
In May 2023, BasiGo launched its third charging station, which is the first one available to the public, located in Buruburu. The station can charge up to six buses at once. The company had previously established two other private charging sites in Embakasi and Kikuyu.
All of BasiGo’s charging stations operate using energy sourced from Kenya’s national grid, which is powered almost entirely by renewable sources—90% during the day and 100% at night.
Summary
BasiGo is transforming Kenya’s public transportation landscape by introducing electric buses through innovative leasing models and supporting infrastructure. With growing regional interest, including expansion into Rwanda, and backing from organizations like USAID, the company is positioned at the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions in East Africa.
