Kenyan electric mobility company, Roam is set to expand its network of solar-powered Roam Hubs in Nairobi with funding from ENERGICA, a European Union initiative under Horizon 2020.
The 10 new hubs aim to accelerate the adoption of clean transportation by providing affordable battery rentals, optimized charging, and quick after-sales services for electric motorcycle riders in Nairobi.
Each hub is projected to handle 400-500 daily transactions for charging and battery rentals.
Roam is one of three African demonstration sites selected by ENERGICA to develop innovative, locally adapted technologies.
While Roam focuses on expanding clean transport in Kenya, other sites include Madagascar, where ENERGICA is developing renewable energy solutions for water and food production, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, where biogas and water purification systems are being developed for energy, water, and fertilizer production.
Having already established five Roam Hubs in Nairobi at Lusaka Road, Waiyaki Way, Kayole Spine Road, Forest Road, and Roysambu, Roam is poised to further expand its network.
The ENERGICA project aligns with Roam’s mission to provide innovative, low-emission transport solutions. Solar charging offers additional cost savings of Ksh10-15 per kWh compared to electricity.
By expanding Roam Hubs in urban and peri-urban areas, Roam aims to create a reliable, convenient network for electric motorcycle riders.
Additionally, Roam’s commitment to open architecture design for its charging stations will enable interoperability between electric vehicle manufacturers, allowing riders to charge at various locations and removing a key barrier to widespread adoption.
Roam’s Product Manager of Energy and Charging, Habib Lukaya stated, “This initiative is a game-changer for electric mobility in Kenya and Africa. Our open architecture design enables seamless interoperability and fosters sustainable growth for electric motorcycles. By allowing users to charge their electric motorcycles at various speeds and locations, we’re addressing a major barrier to electric vehicle adoption: access to reliable and flexible charging infrastructure.”
According to Nadia Moussaid, ENERGICA’s Collaborative Project Manager, “This partnership is a critical link between Africa and Europe, tackling urgent challenges like energy access, climate change, and clean transport. Roam’s solar-powered electric mobility solutions will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and transform urban transport in cities like Nairobi and Kisumu. Together, we’re building resilient, low-emission transport networks that empower communities and create sustainable jobs.”