Kenya’s EV revolution: Spiro sparks clean ride

In an electrifying development, Kenya has shifted into high gear towards a cleaner, greener future. The country has partnered with Spiro, Africa’s electric motorcycle start-up sensation and clean energy provider. This turbocharged collaboration aims to flood Kenyan roads with over a million electric vehicles (EVs), underlining the nation’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tech and renewable energy.

Born just over a year ago, Spiro has taken the African e-mobility market by storm. With a footprint in countries like Benin, Togo, Rwanda, Uganda, and now Kenya, Spiro has zoomed ahead, deploying nearly 10 000 electric bikes. These eco-champions have already zapped over 90 million kilometres of clean travel, saving a whopping 5 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the process/

But Spiro doesn’t stop at bikes. They’re sparking a clean energy revolution with around 350 battery swapping and charging stations scattered across Africa. And here’s the headline-grabber: the Kenya deal will see Spiro supercharge the nation with an additional 3 000 battery charging and swapping stations, turbocharging Kenya’s EV infrastructure like never before.

William Ruto, Kenya’s president, proudly declared, “We’re dialling up our climate action game with clean, green, and mean transportation tech. Kenya’s roads are set to go electric!”

Jules Samain, the CEO of Spiro, added, “Spiro is taking the wheel in Kenya’s eco-evolution. We’re not just reducing carbon emissions; we’re also putting more cash in the pockets of Boda Boda riders. It’s an eco and economic win-win!”

The shift from gas-guzzlers to electric bikes promises to be the spark that ignites a green transportation revolution in Kenya, especially for those crucial “last mile” journeys. The air is going to be cleaner, and Kenya’s transportation puzzle is about to get a whole lot greener.

Samain revved up the crowd with Spiro’s innovative battery tech, saying, “With our batteries and Kenya’s homegrown energy, we’re saying goodbye to fossil fuels, and Kenya is on the fast track to energy independence!”

Dominique Nkurunziza, Spiro’s chief marketing officer, added, “This is Kenya’s ‘tech-tron’ moment. More EVs mean not just a smaller carbon footprint, but also a healthier, more futuristic Kenya!”

And here’s the tech-charged cherry on top: Spiro is revving up to open a manufacturing base in Kenya. With charging stations popping up like mushrooms and skilled service staff joining the crew, thousands of job opportunities are about to kick into high gear.

Fresh off a funding round that raised over $60 million, Spiro just hit the nitrous with an additional $63 million, thanks to backing from the French international bank Société Générale and the British guarantee fund, Guarantco.

• Countries of operation: Benin, Togo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
• Electric bikes deployed: Nearly 10 000
• Clean travel: Over 90 million km
• CO2 emissions saved: Over 5 000 tonnes
• Swapping stations: 350 existing, 3 000 in the fast lane for Kenya

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