Q&A: Climate leaders with answers

Frederick Mutitika is a product manager at BasiGo, whose electric buses have driven 1.3 million kilometres in Africa, transported nearly 2 million people and saved 600 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Q: How did the company come to exist? A: BasiGo was inspired by the visibly clearer skies over Nairobi when car traffic died down during the COVID-19 lockdowns, prompting the founders to think about sustainable urban mobility. 

Q: What is your secret ingredient? A: Our success hinges on a diverse team of passionate individuals with expertise in diverse fields, from technical operations to software development. We focus on building teams committed to our mission.

Q: Are you able to make money? A: Yes. We have a fairly unique financing model for electric buses. It’s “pay as you drive”. Bus owners pay for the distance covered. And commuters can use our Jani app to book seats and reduce wait times at bus stops.

Q: That doesn’t sound like the hectic world of matatu minibuses…? A: No, no shouting needed. Data is at the core of everything we do, guiding our operations and customer engagement. By analysing metrics, we can ensure a seamless and clean commute.

Q: What’s next? A: We want to establish electric buses as a cornerstone of urban transport across Africa.