East Africa's First Ever Full Electric Cab, Nopia Ride Launched in Nairobi

Kenyans can now ride on electric-powered cars after EkoRent, a Finland company dealing in electric mobility unveiled full electric cabs in Nairobi.

The company launched Nopia ride at the Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka on Thursday, making it East Africa’s inaugural electric mobility service.

“We have now launched our zero-emission electric transportation service pilot in Nairobi. We aim to increase our fleet size to around a couple of hundred vehicles by the end of the year. Join now and ride clean with Nopia!” reads a statement posted on their website.

Speaking during the launch, EkoRent Chief Executive Juha Suojanen said the move to unveil Nopia ride in Nairobi was informed by traffic congestion in the Kenyan capital which translates to increased air pollution by fuel-powered cars.

“Nairobi is a fast-growing city with considerable traffic congestion. The World Bank reports that the transport sector accounted for more than half of all the carbon dioxide emissions Kenya produced in 2014,” Said Juha as quoted by Business Daily.

“Nairobi City can benefit from Nopia electric ride service that helps in solving the increasing emission and urban transportation challenges while creating jobs for the populace,” added the CEO.

Nairobi County Head of Public Health Dr Kepha Ombacho echoed Juha's sentiments on the need to reduce air pollution in the city.

“In line with the United Nation Goals for Sustainable Development, I am happy to see Kenya continue to play her part particularly in the pursuance of sustainable and clean energy. I urge more players in the private sector to prioritize developing environmentally friendly technologies and complement the government’s efforts on implementing them," Ombacho stated.

“We care about the environment. Therefore, all our Nopia vehicles are non-polluting electric cars. By choosing Nopia, you help to reduce harmful emissions and to improve the air quality around you,” the company further adds.