Murang’a: The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has intensified its campaign for a nationwide shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in the public transport sector. Officials of the association have urged Matatu Saccos to embrace clean mobility and have called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to provide guidelines on the use of EVs in public service transport.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a stakeholders’ forum in Murang’a, MOA President Albert Karagacha stated that the transition to e-mobility must be driven by the matatu industry itself, with government agencies playing a supportive role. He emphasized that Saccos are capable of enforcing discipline and standards among their members if given the mandate, noting that NTSA should focus on setting clear regulations to guide the shift. ‘We want Saccos to be left to do self-regulation, while NTSA should just give the guidelines,’ said Karagacha.
Karagacha outlined the goals of the initiative, which include reducing road carnage, cutting fuel costs, and creating new jobs through the adoption of clean mobility. He also urged the government to take the initiative in training drivers on how OMA services operate across the country. He highlighted that the introduction of electric vehicles could reduce operational costs by 40 percent for matatu operators and ease the burden of rising fuel prices.
The MOA president mentioned that the sector could save billions annually once fossil fuel consumption is reduced, and the adoption of EVs would open new avenues for employment, ranging from charging station attendants to technicians and battery specialists.
George Muriithi, Chairman of OMA Services, echoed the cost-saving benefits of electric vehicles but noted the pressing challenge of charging infrastructure. He urged the Kenya Power Company to deploy more charging stations across the country to save time for operators and ensure a reliable power supply. Muriithi added that strategically placed charging hubs along busy routes such as Nairobi-Thika-Murang’a would accelerate adoption, giving confidence to Sacco management and drivers.
Daniel Morara, a matatu driver with OMA Services, expressed enthusiasm for the new technological shift, highlighting that electric cars are faster and more environmentally friendly compared to conventional diesel matatus. He explained that operating the vehicles is easier due to less maintenance and fewer mechanical breakdowns. Passengers have also started noticing the difference, describing the rides as smooth, quiet, and more comfortable.
If embraced widely, MOA leaders believe the rollout of electric matatus will reshape Kenya’s public transport, creating a cleaner, safer, and more affordable mobility system for millions of commuters.