Roam, a Kenyan mobility company has partnered with ENERGICA, a European Union-supported initiative under Horizon 2020 to establish 10 additional solar-powered Roam Hubs in Nairobi .
Founded in 2017 ,Roam is a technology-driven electric mobility company that designs and develops electric motorcycles and electric buses for emerging markets, starting in Kenya. The company aims to electrify the African transport and energy systems and designing affordable and reliable vehicles to improve the lives of the many and make electric transport more accessible to a broader market by making the technology more cost efficient and simplifying deployment. The company focuses on electric motorcycles, public transport and buses, as well as charging infrastructure and energy systems.
Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Product Manager of Energy and Charging, commented: “This initiative is a game-changer for electric mobility in Kenya and across Africa. The open architecture design we’re implementing not only enables seamless interoperability but also fosters sustainable growth for electric motorcycles. By allowing users to charge their electric motorcycles at various speeds and locations, we are addressing one of the most significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption —access to reliable and flexible charging infrastructure.”
Having already established five Roam Hubs across Nairobi—at Lusaka Road, Waiyaki Way, Kayole Spine Road, Forest Road and Roysambu—Roam is poised to expand its network further.
The project is aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean, resilient transportation solutions by offering affordable battery rentals, optimized charging, and quick after-sales services for electric motorcycle riders in Nairobi with each Roam Hub making 400 – 500 transactions daily for both charging and renting batteries.
The ENERGICA project aligns seamlessly with Roam’s mission to provide innovative, low-emission transport solutions. Solar charging further enhances affordability, offering an additional KES 10-15 savings 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 an open architecture design for its charging stations will enable interoperability between electric vehicle manufacturers, allowing riders to charge at various locations, thus removing a key barrier to widespread transition.
Roam is one of three demonstration sites selected in Africa by ENERGICA to develop locally adapted, innovative technologies. While Roam focuses on expanding clean transport in Kenya, other sites include Madagascar, where ENERGICA is developing nano-grids for renewable water and food production, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, where biogas and water purification systems are advancing energy, water, and fertilizer production.
Nadia Moussaid, ENERGICA’s Collaborative Project Manager, shared: “This partnership is a critical link between Africa and Europe, tackling urgent challenges such as 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.”
The Electric Vehicles market in Africa is projected to reach a revenue of US$205.6m in 2024.It is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate of 8.85%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$314.2m by 2029.The unit sales of Electric Vehicles market in Africa are expected to reach 3.69k vehicles in 2029.
This collaboration sets a new standard for charging infrastructure in Africa, positioning Roam as a leader in scalable, sustainable electric vehicle solutions. The Kenya demonstration will serve as a model for other African nations seeking cleaner, more efficient transportation systems.
This initiative will establish Roam as a leader in Africa’s innovative electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making up to 500 transactions daily at each Roam Hub.