Machakos, Kenya – April 30, 2025 — Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to clean energy and investor-friendly policies as she presided over the official launch of the county’s first electric motorbike outlet by Roam Electrics Limited.
The new facility, Roam Shop – Machakos, is strategically located at the TotalEnergies Mua View Service Station along Kitui Road, 6km from Machakos Town. It marks Roam’s second expansion outside Nairobi after Kiambu, and is the fifth Roam outlet hosted by a TotalEnergies station—reflecting a growing partnership between fuel stations and clean energy mobility solutions.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Wavinya lauded the investment as timely and transformative, especially for the youth and the environment.
“We welcome Roam to Machakos with open arms. This investment not only aligns with our commitment to a greener county but also empowers our youth through affordable, sustainable transport solutions,” said Wavinya. “I’m proud to see Machakos take the lead in the clean mobility revolution.”
Roam Shop – Machakos will provide electric motorcycle sales, battery charging and rental services, and customer support. The outlet also hosts a Roam Hub Charging Station where riders can rent fully charged batteries at just KES 20 per hour, helping them reduce downtime and fuel expenses.
Roam’s expansion comes after a successful trial of its flagship electric motorbike, Roam Air, on the hilly terrains of Machakos, including at boda boda stages across the region. Riders praised the bike’s high torque and payload capacity of up to 240 kg, making it ideal for the region’s rugged conditions.
“The Roam Air handles our hills and heavy loads with ease,” said Allan Musembi, chairman of the Machakos Boda Boda Association. “It’s cost-effective, and charging at home for around KES 80 beats refueling at KES 175 per litre. This move will put more money in our pockets.”
To enhance affordability, Roam has partnered with financing institutions such as M-Kopa, 4G Capital, Mogo, and Watu Credit. These partners offer payment plans starting with deposits as low as KES 10,000 and daily installments from KES 460.
Roam’s Field Operations Manager, Habib Lukaya, said the company is keen on making electric mobility accessible across Kenya, beyond major urban centers.
“Machakos presents both opportunity and challenge. The positive response from riders confirms the Roam Air’s suitability, and we’re now looking to scale this model into other counties,” he said.
Governor Wavinya also urged boda boda operators to organize into Saccos to access government credit facilities like Uwezo Fund, which could further boost uptake of the green bikes.
Roam, recently recognized as one of the world’s top 100 impact startups by the Norrsken Foundation and an Earthshot Prize finalist, continues to push boundaries in sustainable transport. Its Roam Air electric motorcycle has already proven its durability in a 6,000 km journey from Nairobi to South Africa—powered entirely by solar energy.
By Hillary Kabillah