Machakos, Kenya (Prime Africa) – In a strategic leap forward for clean transportation in Kenya, Roam, the country’s trailblazing electric mobility firm, has officially launched operations in Machakos County, amplifying its mission to revolutionize urban and rural mobility with sustainable electric solutions.
The unveiling of the Roam Shop Machakos, situated at the TotalEnergies Mua View Service Station along Kitui Road, marks a major milestone in Roam’s national expansion journey. This is the company’s fifth outlet partnered with TotalEnergies, exemplifying a progressive shift toward integrating green energy within traditional refueling networks.
Roam’s entry into Machakos introduces its flagship innovation, the Roam Air — a high performance, locally assembled electric motorcycle built specifically for African conditions. Engineered with a powerful 240 kg payload, advanced dual battery system, and an impressive range of up to 200 km per charge, the Roam Air is setting new standards for efficiency, durability, and affordability in two wheeled transport.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti, a strong proponent of sustainable development, welcomed Roam’s expansion, describing it as a “game changing opportunity” for the youth and the local economy. “Roam’s investment in Machakos is not only a technological achievement but a socioeconomic breakthrough that aligns perfectly with our vision for a clean and empowered future,” she remarked during the launch.
To enhance accessibility and reduce downtime for riders, Roam inaugurated a dedicated battery swapping hub in Machakos Town, enabling users to replace or rent batteries for as little as KES 20 per hour. This transformative solution offers a cleaner, cheaper alternative to fuel powered motorcycles, whose operational costs have surged in recent years.
Charging a Roam Air battery at home costs around KES 80, covering up to 100 km depending on road conditions. In contrast, an internal combustion motorcycle typically requires three litres of petrol for a similar distance, currently priced at KES 175. With the dual battery option, Roam Air riders can travel up to 200 km on a full charge, making it one of the most practical and economical solutions on the market.
Affordability is at the core of Roam’s vision. Through partnerships with M Kopa, 4G Capital, Mogo, and Watu Credit, the company is offering flexible financing options starting from KES 10,000 deposit and daily payments as low as KES 460, opening doors for boda boda operators to upgrade to electric mobility with ease.
Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Field Operations Manager, affirmed the company’s dedication to inclusivity. “Our mission has always been to democratize clean transportation. Machakos presented the ideal terrain and demand profile to demonstrate how the Roam Air can deliver under real conditions. We are proud to support local riders with technology built by Africans, for Africans.”
Boda boda leaders have already embraced the shift. Allan Musembi, Chairman of the Machakos Boda Boda Association, lauded the Roam Air for its reliability and savings. “Our members are saving time and money, while enjoying a better riding experience. This is the best move for Machakos, and we’re excited to be part of this transformation.”
Roam’s expansion into Machakos cements its role as the continent’s vanguard of electric mobility. A 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist and one of the world’s top 100 impact startups according to the Norrsken Foundation, Roam continues to innovate, having already demonstrated the endurance of its electric motorcycles through a daring 6000 km journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch, South Africa.
With Machakos now firmly on the clean transport map, Roam’s momentum is unmistakable. Its technology, leadership, and community driven approach are not only transforming transport, they are ushering in a new era of energy independence, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship across Africa.
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