ACTOM Kenya, a leading provider of engineered solutions in the energy sector, has recently completed an order to supply electrical distribution panels for a newly constructed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging site in Nairobi. This marks the third order that ACTOM Kenya has fulfilled for BasiGo, a prominent provider of electric bus solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Kelvin Ageng’o Oriwo, General Manager at ACTOM Kenya, explains that these installations are designed to handle substantial electrical loads, with incoming ratings of up to 1,600 amps. The latest site features five dedicated charging lines, each rated at 250 amps specifically for electric buses, along with an additional 100-amp line to support general site usage.
“ACTOM’s panels connect the chargers to the electrical grid, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient power distribution. Our role is to help BasiGo turn its vision into operational reality by delivering infrastructure that is not only technically sound but also future-ready,” says Oriwo.
Increase in Activity and Investment
Support for EV infrastructure in Kenya is still in its early stages; however, there has recently been a noticeable increase in activity and investment. A private sector company is planning a nationwide rollout of EV charging stations, strategically located alongside their existing petrol stations.
At the same time, the state-owned utility Kenya Power and Lighting Company has also shown strong interest in this area. Initially, their push was framed around climate goals and sustainability; however, they are now also viewing EV charging as a strategic opportunity to diversify revenue streams.
“Private sector players like BasiGo are already operational. Due to limited public infrastructure, many are building private charging stations tailored to their own standards, filling critical gaps and accelerating ecosystem growth,” Oriwo notes.
“ACTOM sees EV charging as a natural extension of our renewable energy strategy and a key component of our contribution to the global Net Zero and climate conservation agenda. Our work with clients like BasiGo, including residential EV charging deployments, aligns directly with this mission.”
Addressing Public Transport Challenges
Additionally, Oriwo states that electric mobility offers a means to introduce a more formal structure to Kenya’s public transport sector, which has experienced various disruptions since its privatisation in the 1990s.
“The instability within the sector needs to be addressed, and adopting e-mobility is one of the most promising ways to restore order. With structure comes not only standards and operational discipline but also heightened safety, service quality, and environmental responsibility.”
However, Oriwo recognises that there are technical and operational challenges in deploying EV charging stations in Kenya, particularly since the industry is new and lacks an established framework.
Each Installation is a Learning Curve
“Unlike petrol stations, offices, or roads, where standards are well-established, EV infrastructure is being defined as we build it. Each installation is a learning experience, and every rollout requires close collaboration among various stakeholders,” he explains.
“The EV space is full of moving parts, which is where the complexity lies.
However, this is also where the opportunity exists, as every challenge we overcome contributes to a more structured, reliable, and sustainable future.”
Philip Gorman, the Head of Char-ging Infrastructure at BasiGo, emphasised that the successful rollout of electric buses in Kenya depends on robust collaboration throughout the ecosystem.
“We are pleased to partner with companies like ACTOM Kenya to establish the foundation for charging infrastructure in the country and accelerate the transition to clean, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility for all.”