NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 7 – Kenyans will now be able to acquire electric tuk-tuks after M-KOPA extended its financing option to include three-wheelers.
In a statement, M-KOPA said the move will allow tuk-tuk operators to acquire electric vehicles through its pay-as-you-go financing model, which spreads payments over time and reduces the upfront cost of purchasing a vehicle.
According to the firm, its customers save an average of Sh530 a day through lower energy and maintenance costs, as well as access to battery-swapping infrastructure.
“Reaching 10,000 financed electric motorbikes reflects growing demand from riders looking to lower operating costs and improve their earnings,” said Brian Njao, General Manager, Mobility at M-KOPA.
“We are now applying the same financing approach to electric tuk-tuks, helping operators access cleaner, lower-cost vehicles without the burden of a large upfront payment.”
The move comes as Kenya seeks to promote the adoption of clean mobility in the passenger transport sector, which has been a source of air pollution in Nairobi and other urban centres.
Kenya has already adopted the National Electric Mobility Policy, which provides a framework for investment and private-sector participation in electric transport.
The policy provides incentives including zero-rated VAT on electric buses, bicycles, motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries, as well as zero excise duty on electric bicycles, motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries.
M-KOPA currently finances electric motorcycles from manufacturers including Ampersand, Roam and Spiro. It has also partnered with Bolt to provide financing and rider incentives.
Customers under the programme receive additional services including flexible repayments, insurance, GPS tracking, security features and warranty protection.
