Wavinya Backs Roam's Electric Motorcycle Expansion in Machakos

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has welcomed the expansion of Roam, a leading electric mobility company, into Machakos County, terming the move a major boost for youth employment and environmental sustainability.

Speaking during the launch at the new Roam Shop in Machakos, located at the TotalEnergies Mua View Service Station along Kitui Road, Wavinya praised the partnership between Roam and TotalEnergies, noting it would accelerate access to clean transport solutions in the region.

“This development will not only create jobs for our youth but also promote eco-friendly transport that aligns with our county’s green agenda,” said Governor Wavinya. “We are proud to host innovative companies like Roam that bring practical and affordable solutions to our people.”

The facility will offer sales of Roam Air electric motorcycles, battery charging and rental services, and after-sales support. A new Roam Hub Charging Station has also been launched in Machakos Town, allowing riders to rent charged batteries for KES 20 per hour—an initiative expected to significantly reduce operational downtime for boda boda riders.

Roam’s Field Operations Manager, Habib Lukaya, noted that Machakos presented an ideal mix of opportunity and challenge. “The feedback from boda boda riders during our test phase confirmed that the Roam Air can handle these conditions exceptionally well,” he said. “Our next step is to continue expanding into more counties across Kenya to make clean mobility accessible to everyone.”

The governor commended Roam’s decision to test the motorcycles in areas such as Iveti Hills and Kituluni Hill, where riders operate in elevated and rugged terrain.

“They have proven that electric mobility is not just for the cities,” said Wavinya. “It can work right here in Machakos, even in our most hilly and remote locations.”

Machakos Boda Boda Association Chairman Allan Musembi said the riders were impressed by the performance of the motorcycles. “It handles the hills without a problem, even when carrying heavy loads,” he said. “The savings are real, charging at home is much cheaper than buying petrol every day. For many of us, this will mean more money going back home to our families.”

To ease access to the electric motorcycles, Roam is working with financial partners such as M-Kopa, 4G Capital, Mogo, and Watu Credit to provide flexible payment plans. Riders can acquire a Roam Air motorcycle with deposits starting from KES 10,000 and daily repayments as low as KES 460.

Governor Wavinya reiterated her administration’s support for investments that align with the county’s development goals, saying, “We will continue to support innovations that uplift our people, protect our environment, and position Machakos as a progressive and sustainable county.”