British Investment Backs Massive Electric Motorbike Push in Kenya

Kenya’s electric mobility sector has received a major boost as ARC Ride, a leading battery-as-a-service (BaaS) provider for electric two-wheelers, announced a $5 million financing agreement with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The funding is aimed at rolling out 5,000 electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) across Kenya and expanding ARC Ride’s automated battery swapping network — already the first and largest of its kind in Africa. The goal is to standardise EV infrastructure across East Africa, making it easier for manufacturers, riders, and partners to scale e-mobility solutions.

A Critical Step Toward Decarbonising Transport

The investment supports Kenya’s broader climate goals of achieving a low-carbon transport system by 2030. The transport sector currently contributes about 13% of Kenya’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with motorcycles playing a major role in urban pollution.

ARC Ride’s approach targets these emissions by offering a scalable, affordable solution for boda boda riders and delivery services. The company has already installed 170 charging and battery swap stations in Nairobi, reducing the need for home or station-based charging infrastructure. This model eliminates long charging times, drastically lowers the upfront cost of EV ownership, and improves daily income potential for riders.

With the new financing, ARC Ride estimates that its expanded network could directly save over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year by displacing petrol-powered motorbikes.

British Backing for a Green Nairobi

Daniel Wilcox, Economic Counsellor at the British High Commission in Nairobi, praised the move, saying:

“The UK is a long-term partner for Kenya’s growth — and this investment will support Kenya’s climate ambitions, support hardworking Kenyans, and make Nairobi a healthier place to live and a more attractive place to do business.”

He added that the initiative complements ongoing UK efforts to support the decarbonisation of Nairobi’s transport systems, reinforcing the city’s image as the “green city in the sun.”

Seema Dhanani, Head of Office, Kenya and Coverage Director, East Africa at BII, said:

“In Kenya, a Boda Boda is more than just a motorbike; it’s a crucial part of the transportation system. Electrifying Boda Bodas is essential for creating a green and sustainable future.”

ARC Ride’s Vision for a Pan-African E-Mobility Future

According to ARC Ride CEO Joseph Hurst:

“This strategic partnership with BII marks a major milestone in our expansion plans across Africa. We’re building a future where millions of clean kilometres are driven, putting more money in the pockets of riders and reducing environmental harm.”

The company is focused on creating a unified battery standard and an open battery swapping system that can accommodate multiple electric vehicle manufacturers, increasing adoption across the board and reducing operational fragmentation.

Why This Matters

This announcement comes at a time when Kenya’s electric vehicle ecosystem is slowly gaining traction. While consumer interest is rising, adoption remains limited due to charging infrastructure gaps, high upfront vehicle costs, and limited financing options.

ARC Ride’s battery-as-a-service model directly addresses these challenges, particularly for high-usage segments like delivery and motorcycle taxi operators, which form the backbone of Kenya’s urban mobility economy.

This investment is also a signal of confidence from international investors in Kenya’s green transport transition and aligns with growing momentum across Africa to scale climate-smart transport solutions.