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Buruburu EV Charging Station Powers Kenya’s Electric Matatu Future
Kenya has taken another step towards cleaner public transport with the launch of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Nairobi’s Buruburu Estate.
The project brings together KCB Bank Kenya, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) and ePureMotion. Together, the three partners are turning electric mobility plans into practical action.
The charging station builds on a partnership announced in 2024. Through the initiative, KCB Bank Kenya committed to supporting matatu Saccos and operators with asset finance and insurance premium financing to modernize their fleets.
Turning plans into action
The Buruburu charging station shows how financing, infrastructure and technology can work together to accelerate electric public transport.
Beyond providing charging services, the facility will serve as a learning centre for operators. They will gain practical experience in EV charging, vehicle inspections, maintenance planning and fleet operations.
Meanwhile, ePureMotion will provide charging infrastructure, maintenance services, spare parts and technical training. The company also plans to introduce electric matatus and digital fleet management tools as demand grows.
Financing the future of mobility
Speaking during the launch, Juliana Kinyua, Acting Unit Head, Asset Finance and Insurance Premium Finance at KCB Bank Kenya, said the project demonstrates how financing can accelerate the shift to cleaner transport.
She noted that KCB’s partnership with the Matatu Owners Association is creating practical financing pathways that will help modernise the public transport sector. According to Kinyua, the Buruburu charging station also shows how financing, infrastructure and strong partnerships can deliver cleaner, more efficient and affordable mobility solutions for Kenyans.
She added that KCB will continue supporting eligible Saccos and transport investors through structured financing solutions, subject to the bank’s lending requirements.
Buruburu EV Charging Station Powers Kenya’s Electric Matatu Future
Keeping operators at the centre
The Matatu Owners Association says the partnership ensures matatu owners remain at the heart of Kenya’s electric mobility transition.
MOA President Albert Karakacha said the initiative gives members access to financing, charging infrastructure and technical training. In addition, it prepares operators for new business opportunities in electric transport.
He said the matatu industry has always been the backbone of everyday mobility in Kenya. Through the collaboration with KCB Bank Kenya and ePureMotion, MOA aims to ensure its members are fully included in the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Additionally, the association will mobilise participating Saccos, coordinate operator engagement and support member readiness throughout the transition.
Supporting Kenya’s clean transport agenda
The launch follows the government’s introduction of the National Electric Mobility Policy earlier this year. The policy provides a roadmap for expanding electric transport, attracting investment and developing charging infrastructure across the country.
At the same time, Kenya continues to pursue its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Electric mobility can also reduce fuel import costs while taking advantage of the country’s largely renewable electricity supply.
Today, nearly 90 percent of Kenya’s electricity comes from geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy. As a result, electric transport offers both environmental and economic benefits.
Building momentum for electric matatus
The Buruburu charging station will serve as a pilot site for electric matatu operations. It will also provide valuable lessons on charging, maintenance and daily fleet management.
Over time, the partners expect the project to guide the rollout of similar charging stations along other busy matatu routes and Sacco locations across Kenya.
Ultimately, the initiative highlights how collaboration between financial institutions, transport operators and technology providers can accelerate Kenya’s transition to cleaner, smarter and more sustainable public transport.
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