Introduction to Kiira Motors’ Innovative Electric Bus
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has made a significant stride in sustainable transportation by unveiling the all-electric Kayoola EVS Model 2024 at the 2nd Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum. Held at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, this event serves as a platform to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the two nations.
Key Features of the Kayoola EVS
The Kayoola EVS is a fully electric, low-floor bus specifically designed for urban mass transportation. It comes in various models, ranging from 6 meters with a 15-seat capacity to 18 meters with a 120-seat capacity. With a full charge, the Kayoola EVS can travel between 200 to 300 kilometres, making it ideal for the daily urban mass transportation cycle. Its ample seating capacity not only provides great returns for bus operators but also helps reduce congestion on city roads.
The Role of the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum
This year’s Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum, themed “Enhancing Our Win-Win Partnership,” aims to leverage high-level discussions to expand the African market for Kiira Motors. Leading the Ugandan delegation is Dr. Monica Musenero, Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, alongside the leadership team of Kiira Motors Corporation. The forum provided an opportunity for the Ugandan team to engage with diplomats, businesspeople, and key public and private sector players, showcasing Kiira Motors’ extensive product and service portfolio.
Statements from Key Ugandan Officials
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Musenero emphasized the significance of the Kayoola EVS, stating, “It is an honour for Uganda to introduce to Tanzania the Kayoola EVS – a manifestation of Uganda’s technological advancement to serve the African market with sustainable mobility solutions. We look forward to fostering synergies between our nations, the East African Community, and Africa as a whole.”
Tanzania’s Market Potential for Kiira Motors
Tanzania represents a substantial market for Kiira Motors, especially with the ongoing improvements in the country’s public transport system through the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (DART) project. Developed by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), this initiative aims to enhance public transportation with dedicated bus lanes, stations, and terminals. According to the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), the DART system, which started in 2016 with twenty-nine buses and five terminals, significantly reduced travel time from three hours to 45 minutes over a 20km journey, cutting emissions and reducing reliance on private cars.
It is an honour for Uganda to introduce to Tanzania the Kayoola EVS – a manifestation of Uganda’s technological advancement to serve the African market with sustainable mobility solutions. We look forward to fostering synergies between our nations, the East African Community, and Africa as a whole.”
Dr. Monica Musenero
Expanding Market Reach in East Africa
Kiira Motors aims to leverage these developments to expand its market reach within East Africa and beyond. KMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, highlighted the organization’s value proposition of replacing imported mobility solutions with an African-built electric vehicle platform. This initiative aims to lead the e-mobility revolution and decarbonize transportation in East Africa by localizing the development and deployment of electric vehicles, enhancing environmental sustainability, and stimulating economic growth within the region.
Additional Market Products from Kiira Motors
Beyond the Kayoola EVS, Kiira Motors offers other innovative products. The Articulated Kayoola Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus, available in 17m/400km and 12m/250km models, has carrying capacities of 120 (30 seated / 90 standing) and 83 (43 seated / 40 standing) respectively. The Kayoola Coach, an electric or diesel intercity bus, ranges from 10m with a 39-passenger capacity to 13m with a 63-passenger capacity, capable of covering up to 500km on a full charge.
Conclusion: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Mobility
Kiira Motors Corporation’s unveiling of the Kayoola EVS at the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum marks a significant milestone in sustainable urban transportation. By fostering regional partnerships and showcasing its advanced electric vehicles, Kiira Motors is poised to lead the e-mobility revolution in East Africa, driving environmental sustainability and economic growth.
