Kenya has received a whopping Ksh 50 billion ($378 million) from the European Union to facilitate the electrification of the country’s public transport system. This financing will allow Kenya to build the necessary infrastructure to make its bus rapid transit system more efficient and cost-effective.
Background Information on Kenya BRTs
This development is the result of a recently concluded meeting between Kenya’s President, William Ruto, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen, at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. As part of the agreement, Kenya’s upcoming Green Mobility-Nairobi core bus rapid transit line 3 (BRT 3) will feature zero-emission electric buses and will introduce intelligent transport system features.
In February 2022, Kenya announced it would only operate electric vehicles on the BRT system, but that has not been the case as the funds to move this from plan to project have not been particularly available. However, this new financing brings renewed hope to Kenya’s plans, especially for its capital city, Nairobi.
Funding Details For Kenya BRTs
As part of the agreement, Kenya will receive $378 million from the European Union to electrify the country’s public transport system. This funding will allow Kenya to build the necessary infrastructure to make its bus rapid transit system more efficient and cost-effective.
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Environmental Impact
This development comes at a time when Kenya is yet to recover from its struggles with fuel shortage which is causing a surge in fuel prices and negatively affecting the living standards of many Kenyans. In addition, the country faces a severe air pollution crisis that is claiming lives and adversely affecting the health of thousands of Kenyans. In 2019, over 5000 premature deaths were linked to air pollution in the country.
These harsh conditions have contributed to an enabling environment for electric mobility options to flourish in Kenya as the government joins private companies like Little and Bolt in the EV charge.
Conclusion
With this funding, Kenya will be able to improve its public transportation system and make it more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The electrification of the BRT system will be a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward a sustainable future. This funding comes at a time when the government is joining private companies like Little and Bolt in the EV charge, creating an enabling environment for electric mobility options to flourish in Kenya.
Kenya’s public transportation system will be transformed with the introduction of zero-emission electric buses, and this development will positively impact the country’s efforts to combat air pollution and reduce carbon emissions. Overall, this funding is a significant boost for Kenya’s sustainable development goals and a sign of the country’s commitment to building a more sustainable future.
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