The first totally electric shuttle bus, known as Roam Move, will be built by Thika-based Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) as the transportation company looks to take advantage of tax breaks.

A variety of tax benefits are available to those that assemble electric vehicles in the nation, including zero percent excise duty, ten percent import charge, and zero-rated value-added tax (VAT).

The Roam bus is equipped with a 170 kilowatts per hour (kWh) battery pack and a 51-passenger capacity.

“Assembled entirely in Kenya, the bus exemplifies Roam’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing while advancing the nation’s sustainability goals,” said Roam in a statement.

“We are thrilled to introduce ‘The Roam Move,’ Kenya’s very own electric shuttle bus. This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering sustainable transportation solutions that make a positive impact on our environment and our communities,” said Dennis Wakaba, Roam’s country sales executive.

The National Treasury owns a 35 percent investment in KVM, along with CMC (32,5%), and DT Dobie (32,5%).

It combines several automobile brands, including those from CFAO Motors (Volkswagen) and Urysia (Peugeot).

The one and a half hour fare for the 13.5 tonne shuttle bus. The matatu (public service vehicle) market is its target market. The business also builds motorcycles and the Roam Rapid mass transport vehicle.

In Nairobi’s Mombasa Road, the Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer Roam opened a facility where it plans to eventually assemble up to 50,000 motorcycles annually.

BasiGo, a rival of Roam, collaborated with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) to have its buses assembled in Mombasa.