Douglas Mwiti 
In a landmark move towards sustainable urban transportation, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), in partnership with Metrotrans East Africa Limited and Super Metro Limited,has launched new bus routes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to various key locations in Nairobi.
These routes will be serviced by cutting-edge 7th generation and electric commuter buses, embodying our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experiences.
The official launch event was graced by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar. In his address, Mr. Daghar shed light on the extensive benefits of electric passenger buses, highlighting their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness over the long term, and lower operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel or gasoline buses.
He also commended the quieter operations of electric buses, creating a more serene environment for both traveler’s and airport personnel, and emphasised their contribution to a smoother and quieter travel experience.
KAA Board Chairman, Hon. Caleb Kositany, noted that the authority has achieved Level 2 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) for JKIA, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Moi International Airports. He stated, “This achievement reflects our strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability across all our operations.In line with this, we have also embarked on an ambitious environmental program aimed at promoting a culture of tree planting.
We are actively contributing to the national goal of planting 2 billion trees, with every KAA staff member expected to plant 30 trees.”
The JKIA Airport Manager, in her remarks, affirmed that the launch of the electric buses is a significant milestone in the authority’s journey towards environmental stewardship and in providing a seamless, eco-friendly travel experience for all passengers. She emphasised, “This initiative aligns perfectly with JKIA’s broader sustainability goals, underscoring our dedication to responsible environmental practices.”
These newly introduced buses have been meticulously designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair ramps to ensure that KAA’s services are inclusive and easily accessible to everyone, irrespective of their physical abilities.
The introduction of these electric commuter buses is a monumental step in KAA’s ongoing commitment to enhance passenger experiences at JKIA, and a clear demonstration of our dedication to environmental conservation.
