Here Comes Kenya's First Locally Assembled Electric Bus

Roam, a technology company, has introduced Kenya's first electric bus, the Roam Move shuttle bus.

The eco-friendly Kenyan-made electric car boasts numerous advantages for both commuters and the ecosystem alike. Capable of covering a distance of 200 kilometres on a solo full charge, this automobile comes with a potent 170 kWh battery pack and rapid plug-in charging capabilities that can power it up entirely in under two hours. The vehicle's most salient characteristic is perhaps its almost noiseless ride which notably reduces noise pollution in crowded areas.

Dennis Wakaba, sales director for Roam, believes that their new vehicle has the potential to revolutionize public transportation in Kenya. By advocating the utilization of renewable and locally sourced energy, reducing the dependence on fossil fuel imports, and offering a zero-emission alternative, eco-friendly transport tackles and resolves the pressing air quality concerns present. In Kenya, transportation is a major contributor to air pollution, as outdated, inefficient, and poorly maintained vehicles that burn fossil fuels are prevalent.

Emissions from vehicles add toxins to the atmosphere which can impact our wellbeing negatively. The presence of substances like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter makes these pollutants a health risk. Health problems arise from the inhalation of these toxins, as identified by the World Health Organization which concludes that preventable factors, including air pollution, are to blame for the majority of non-communicable diseases. In Kenya, breathing polluted air has been tied to medical conditions including stroke, cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.

Approximately seven million people worldwide lose their lives to air pollution annually. In Kenya, non-communicable diseases are speculated to make up 41 per cent of overall deaths. A study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that air pollution in Kenya causes over 21,000 premature deaths annually. It is imperative to quickly address the adverse effects of air pollution on health, the economy, and the environment through concerted efforts by the government, private entities, and people. An essential step is to act promptly by composing policies that aim to cut back emissions from transportation.