On the bustling streets of Kenya, motorcycles—commonly known as boda bodas—are more than just a mode of transport. They are the backbone of daily commerce, ferrying passengers and goods across cities and rural landscapes.

Now, an electric revolution is taking hold, and at its center is KIRI EV, a Nairobi-based startup leveraging Chinese technology to assemble affordable electric bikes tailored for the Kenyan market.

In a mid-sized workshop on the outskirts of Nairobi, KIRI EV’s mechanics fit electric powertrains into sleek motorbike frames. The company’s approach blends global technology with local ingenuity, sourcing core electrical components from China while designing the mechanical framework in Kenya. The result: a product that is both cost-effective and suited to the rugged terrain and heavy-duty use demanded by riders.

“A brand-new e-bike costs about $3,000,” said Kennedy Mutava, KIRI EV’s mechanical lead. “But for those who already own a motorcycle, retrofitting is a much cheaper option. We replace the internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric system, and the cost varies depending on a customer’s specific needs.”

In comparison, an ICE bike similar to what KIRI EV is offering costs about $1500 (Kshs. 185,000) but its fuel consumption eats into a rider’s earnings which makes it harder to recoup the costs.

These costs are making the e-bikes’ affordability, coupled with lower running costs, interesting among riders accustomed to high fuel expenses. For context, the national average cost of a liter of gas (petrol) in the US is $0.80 while its cost is almost double that at $1.37 in Kenya yet the living standards are starkly different.

In the UK, the fuel cost difference is less than $0.50 more than in Kenya but almost at par with the US. This means that the fuel price savings for riders go a long way in a country where the majority, earning even less than the boda boda operators, are barely surviving.

The Chinese Tech Factor

KIRI EV’s reliance on Chinese components is no accident. China’s dominance in green mobility has made its technology both accessible and relatively inexpensive.

“The tech is not only affordable but also easy to work with,” said Mutava. “And delivery is reliable. The quality is better than people assume—you get what you pay for.”

Beyond supplying batteries and motors, Chinese manufacturers also provide training, ensuring that local teams can integrate and maintain the systems effectively. This hybrid model—Chinese electrics paired with Kenyan craftsmanship—has enabled KIRI EV to scale its production while meeting the specific needs of the market.

Designed for Kenyan Roads

Despite its reliance on imported electrical parts, KIRI EV ensures its bikes are tailored for local use.

“We design the frame, the battery placement, and how the bike feels on the road when carrying a load,” Mutava explained. “Our goal is to make sure it performs well for both individual riders and businesses.”

The company offers a range of models catering to high-end customers, everyday commuters, and corporate fleets. This flexibility allows KIRI EV to serve a broad customer base, from boda boda to delivery riders navigating the city’s congested streets.

Keeping Maintenance Local

A key challenge for electric mobility in Kenya is ensuring easy access to maintenance. To address this, KIRI EV trains local mechanics to deal with their customers’ needs.

“When we sell a bike, we encourage the customer to introduce us to their mechanic,” said Mutava. “We then train them on handling repairs and maintenance. We want these bikes to be as local as possible.”

By decentralizing servicing, KIRI EV reduces reliance on its own workshops and makes ownership more convenient for riders.

A More Efficient Ride

With a range of 80 kilometers per charge, a round trip on a KIRI EV bike costs about $1.24—significantly less than the cost of fuel for a conventional motorcycle. The bikes also feature regenerative braking, a technology common in electric vehicles, which helps recharge the battery while slowing down.

Each bike comes with two batteries and a charger, allowing for extended use with minimal downtime. Over time, the savings on fuel and maintenance make the investment even more attractive.

The Future of Mobility in Kenya

KIRI EV’s solutions are part of a broader shift in Africa’s transport sector. While Chinese technology has played a pivotal role in enabling this transition, Kenyan innovation is ensuring these solutions work for local riders.

With increasing support for electric mobility—from both the government and private sector—Kenya’s roads are becoming greener. The electric revolution is no longer a distant dream; it’s unfolding in real-time, one ride at a time.

This article was originally published on The China-Global South Project and was republished here with permission