Kenya’s e-mobility firm, Roam, is making strides in transforming urban transportation with its latest initiative to expand its network of solar-powered charging stations in Nairobi. Roam has secured significant funding from Energica, an investment that will enable the firm to establish 10 new solar-powered charging hubs, bringing the total number of charging stations in Nairobi to 15. This is a major step towards achieving the firm’s goal of promoting clean, affordable, and sustainable transport solutions across the city and beyond.
The expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase the adoption of electric motorcycles, which have been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Electric motorcycles are not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective, making them an attractive option for many riders. However, one of the biggest challenges to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is the availability of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure. With the opening of these new hubs, Roam aims to solve this issue and facilitate the growth of electric mobility in Kenya and the wider African continent.
Accelerating the Shift to Clean Transportation
Roam’s Product Manager for Energy and Charging, Habib Lukaya, highlighted the impact this initiative will have on electric mobility in Kenya. “This initiative is a game-changer for electric mobility in Kenya and across Africa. The open architecture design we’re implementing not only enables seamless interoperability but also fosters sustainable growth for electric motorcycles,” said Lukaya. He added that the new charging stations would allow users to charge their electric motorcycles at various speeds and locations, addressing one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption—reliable access to charging infrastructure.
Each Roam Hub is expected to handle between 400 to 500 transactions daily, involving both battery rentals and charging services. This high volume of activity underscores the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in Nairobi, and the investment in these hubs is poised to create significant economic and environmental benefits.
The solar-powered charging hubs are designed to be highly efficient, utilizing renewable energy to power the electric vehicles. This sustainable approach not only reduces dependence on traditional electricity sources but also offers significant savings for users. Roam’s solar charging stations can save users between Ksh 10 to 15 per kWh compared to standard grid electricity, making electric motorcycles even more affordable to operate.
Empowering Local Communities
The funding from Energica also ties into a broader collaboration under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 initiative, which aims to develop locally adapted, innovative technologies to address challenges such as energy access, climate change, and the promotion of clean transport. Roam’s solar-powered charging hubs are part of this initiative, with the firm being one of only three sites selected across Africa to demonstrate the potential of electric mobility solutions.
Nadia Moussaid, ENERGICA’s Collaborative Project Manager, spoke about the partnership’s broader impact: “This partnership is a critical link between Africa and Europe, tackling urgent challenges such as energy access, climate change, and clean transport. Roam’s solar-powered electric mobility solutions will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and transform urban transport in cities like Nairobi and Kisumu. Together, we’re building resilient, low-emission transport networks that empower communities and create sustainable jobs.”
Looking Ahead
Roam’s efforts are set to play a pivotal role in reshaping the transport landscape in Kenya. With electric motorcycles becoming increasingly popular, the expansion of charging infrastructure is critical to ensuring that users have easy access to the services they need. The new solar-powered hubs are expected to be a model for future urban transportation networks, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable system that benefits both users and the environment.
As Roam continues to grow its presence in Nairobi, the company’s success could serve as a blueprint for other African cities looking to adopt clean energy solutions. With government support and investment from international partners, the potential for electric mobility in Africa is vast, and Roam is leading the charge in making this future a reality. Through its efforts, the company is not only driving the shift toward sustainable transport but also contributing to the creation of green jobs and a more sustainable future for Kenya and the wider continent.
