Machakos County at the Forefront of Electric Mobility Revolution, A Deep Dive into the Roam Partnership

Machakos, Kenya – April 30, 2025 – Machakos County has firmly positioned itself as a pioneering force in Kenya's electric mobility landscape with the momentous launch of the "Roam Shop – Machakos." This inaugural major location outside of Nairobi for Roam Electric, a homegrown Kenyan manufacturer, signifies not just an expansion for the company but a profound commitment to transforming transportation within the Lower Eastern region. The initiative, deeply intertwined with Governor Wavinya Ndeti's vision for a prosperous and environmentally conscious Machakos, promises to revolutionize the lives of boda boda operators and pave the way for a greener future.

Governor's Embrace of Sustainable Progress

Governor Wavinya Ndeti's address at the launch event was a powerful testament to the county's dedication to both environmental stewardship and the economic empowerment of its citizens. She articulated a clear understanding of the detrimental impacts of traditional internal combustion engine motorcycles, explicitly mentioning the pervasive issues of carbon monoxide emissions and noise pollution that plague urban and even rural environments. The Governor passionately linked the adoption of electric motorcycles to Machakos County's broader environmental agenda, highlighting ongoing efforts in afforestation and aligning Roam's initiative directly with the county's manifesto commitments.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti emphasized, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change at the local level. She further elaborated on the immediate benefits for residents, stating:

Beyond the environmental advantages, Governor Wavinya Ndeti keenly focused on the economic upliftment of boda boda riders, a significant demographic within Machakos County. She explicitly connected the switch to electric motorcycles with her "chakula mezani" (food on the table) and "pesa mfukoni" (money in the pocket) mantra. The Governor astutely pointed out the staggering daily fuel costs incurred by many riders, often reaching 1500 Kenyan Shillings. In stark contrast, she highlighted the remarkable cost-effectiveness of electric charging, stating that for a mere 100 shillings, a rider could cover an impressive 80 to 100 kilometers.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti passionately declared, emphasizing the direct positive impact on household incomes and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the Governor proactively addressed crucial logistical aspects, seeking assurances regarding the availability of spare parts and charging infrastructure within Machakos County. Roam's commitment to establishing these essential support systems was met with enthusiastic approval. Governor Wavinya Ndeti also expressed keen interest in the affordability of the electric motorcycles, particularly the deposit and daily payment structures, recognizing the financial realities faced by many boda boda operators.

Roam Electric: A Vision Rooted in Local Innovation and Expansion

Filip Lövström, CEO of Roam Electric, provided a comprehensive overview of the company's journey and its strategic vision for Africa. He proudly highlighted Roam's seven-year presence in Kenya, emphasizing their established manufacturing facility in Nairobi. This local production capability underscores Roam's commitment to Kenyan innovation and job creation.

Filip Lövström clarified, correcting an initial verbal slip and firmly establishing Roam's significant tenure and manufacturing base within Kenya.

He introduced Habib Lukaya, Field Operations Manager at Roam, acknowledging his pivotal role in driving the expansion to Machakos. Filip Lövström articulated Roam's overarching mission with a clear and impactful statement:

Habib Lukaya further elaborated on the strategic rationale behind choosing Machakos for their first major expansion outside Nairobi. He emphasized the county's significance as a gateway to the Lower Eastern region and highlighted the strong alignment between Roam's electric motorcycle offering and Governor Wavinya Ndeti's "pesa mfukoni" (money in the pocket) manifesto due to the substantial cost savings for riders.

Habib Lukaya explained.

Crucially, Habib Lukaya detailed Roam's comprehensive approach to the Machakos market, which extends beyond simply selling motorcycles. He assured the Governor and the community that Roam would be establishing robust after-sales support, a comprehensive charging infrastructure, and a dedicated sales and service center – a "one-stop point for all the services at rope." Furthermore, he outlined Roam's long-term vision for deeper integration within Machakos, including potential partnerships in assembly and even the establishment of a local manufacturing facility.

Financial Architects Empowering Ownership

The realization of widespread electric motorcycle adoption hinges significantly on accessible and tailored financial solutions. Representatives from key financial partners articulated their commitment to empowering boda boda riders in Machakos.

A representative from Watu Credit highlighted their three-year partnership with Roam in Nairobi, citing positive feedback and satisfaction from riders who have already benefited from their financing options. He underscored their organization's core mission:

He astutely connected the 40% daily savings offered by electric bikes to tangible improvements in riders' quality of life, using a Swahili phrase to illustrate the increased disposable income for essential needs and even small luxuries. Watu Credit offers flexible payment structures, including daily, weekly, and extended terms (up to 18 months), catering to the diverse financial capabilities of riders. They also provide financing options for both single and dual-battery motorcycles and actively engage with rider communities to facilitate training, driving school access, and adherence to traffic regulations. Their approach involves multi-level communication and coordination with rider groups.

Another representative from M-KOPA echoed the sentiment of partnership and support for boda boda riders in Machakos. He affirmed their organization's ongoing commitment to financing boda bodas and their increasing focus on supporting the transition to electric mobility, offering a daily repayment model to support riders.

TotalEnergies: An Energy Partner Embracing the Electric Future

The presence of Thomas from TotalEnergies at the launch event underscored the evolving landscape of the energy sector and the growing recognition of electric mobility's importance. He clarified the company's recent name change from Total to TotalEnergies, explicitly stating that this rebranding reflects a strategic emphasis on "clean energy."

Thomas explained.

He proudly acknowledged TotalEnergies' early partnership with Roam in Nairobi, where they have already implemented charging infrastructure at five stations and are looking to expand this collaboration. Thomas enthusiastically welcomed the expansion to Machakos and offered Governor Wavinya Ndeti their full cooperation in establishing charging points at TotalEnergies stations throughout the county.

Thomas pledged, highlighting the potential for a widespread and accessible charging network.

Roam's Vision for a Cleaner, Connected Africa Takes Root in Machakos

Habib Lukaya, returning to the podium, articulated Roam's profound excitement and sense of accomplishment at the official launch of their Machakos shop – their "first major location outside Nairobi" and a "critical milestone" in their mission to "Electrify Africa one vehicle at a time." He reiterated Roam's founding vision: "to transform transportation in Africa by offering clean, affordable and reliable electric mobility solutions that meet everyday needs for our people."

He proudly traced Roam's evolution from a small assembly team to a "Kenyan manufacturing powerhouse" with a facility in Nairobi, emphasizing the local ingenuity and craftsmanship embedded in their motorcycles: "We have a fuel manufacturing facility Nairobi, building futuristic motorcycles powered by Kenyan innovation and made by Kenyan hands. So the person you see next to you might be the next person building this bike here in Machakos."

Habib Lukaya strategically explained the selection of Machakos, highlighting its geographical importance in connecting to the Lower Eastern Counties and establishing a strong regional foothold. He acknowledged the "potential," "demand," and most importantly, the "people" of Machakos – characterizing them as "hard working, visionary and ready for change." He expressed Roam's commitment to growing alongside the community.

A significant point highlighted by Habib Lukaya was Roam's role as a job creator. He proudly announced that Roam currently employs over 200 people across various departments and pledged to create more employment opportunities within Machakos County, emphasizing that these would be local hires. He framed these jobs not just as employment but as "careers in a growing green economy," marking a shift towards sustainable industries.

Habib Lukaya meticulously outlined the comprehensive services that the Roam Shop in Machakos would offer, encompassing not just sales but also dedicated service, readily available spare parts (addressing a key concern raised by the Governor), and convenient charging facilities. He reiterated Roam's strong partnerships with financial institutions, ensuring accessible ownership pathways.

Finally, Habib Lukaya powerfully addressed the affordability aspect, a cornerstone of Roam's value proposition. He highlighted the remarkably low cost of charging a Roam battery at home – consuming only three units of electricity for a full charge costing a mere 100 shillings. He starkly contrasted this with the exorbitant daily fuel expenditures, emphasizing the "real, tangible savings" that would directly benefit riders.

Habib Lukaya passionately concluded, underscoring the transformative economic impact for individual riders and their families. He framed the Machakos launch as just the beginning of Roam's expansive journey towards a "cleaner, smarter and more connected Africa."

Governor's Vision for County-Wide Adoption and Continued Partnership

Governor Wavinya Ndeti, visibly enthusiastic about the prospects, reiterated her full support for Roam's initiative and extended a warm invitation to establish a manufacturing plant within Machakos County's designated industrial zone. She lauded the potential for local job creation and affirmed the county's commitment to providing a conducive environment for investors.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti affirmed, demonstrating proactive support for Roam's long-term growth within the region.

She also addressed the issue of rider discipline and community structures, expressing confidence in the existing boda boda networks within Machakos County to promote responsible usage and mutual support. Furthermore, Governor Wavinya Ndeti proactively identified key areas within the county where Roam should prioritize its expansion, urging them to look beyond just Mavoko and Machakos town to encompass all eight sub-counties, including areas like Masinga, Matuu, Masii, Mulolongo, and even as far as Ndithini. She assured Roam that electricity access was not a limiting factor across the county.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti also sought and received confirmation regarding the durability of Roam's motorcycles on the diverse and sometimes challenging local terrain. The assurance of local assembly and readily available spare parts further solidified her confidence in the initiative's long-term success.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti concluded, expressing satisfaction and optimism.

She reiterated her strong support for Roam's expansion throughout Machakos County's major towns and reaffirmed the county's welcoming stance towards investors:

Customer-Centric Financial Support

Further elaborating on their organization's commitment, the representative from Watu Credit detailed several customer-focused benefits that extend beyond mere financing:

• Facilitating Driving Licenses: Recognizing a significant barrier for many riders, their organization has partnered with driving schools to streamline the process of obtaining legal riding licenses.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Insurance coverage is provided for the entire duration of the loan, providing crucial financial protection.

• Medical Insurance: In the event of accidents, riders can receive compensation for medical expenses.

• Life Cover: A life cover is included, ensuring financial security for the rider's family in case of unfortunate events.

These additional services underscore a holistic approach to supporting boda boda riders, addressing not just the financial aspect of motorcycle ownership but also critical safety and legal considerations.

The representative from M-KOPA highlighted their support by financing both electric and petrol bikes and offering training to electric bike riders, particularly in collaboration with rider leaders. They emphasized support in terms of driving school access and coordination with rider leaders at various levels.

Conclusion: A Transformative Partnership Taking Root in Machakos

The launch of the Roam Shop in Machakos represents a significant leap towards a sustainable and economically empowered future for the county. The convergence of Governor Wavinya Ndeti's visionary leadership, Roam's innovative electric mobility solutions and commitment to local impact, the enabling financial ecosystems provided by Watu Credit and M-KOPA, and the evolving energy landscape reflected by TotalEnergies' involvement, paints a compelling picture of a region embracing transformative change.