Dar es Salaam, Tanzania| Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has introduced the all-electric Kayoola EVS Model 2024 at the 2nd Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum, currently taking place at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The Kayoola EVS, a fully electric low-floor bus designed for urban mass transportation, features models ranging from 6 meters (15 seating capacity) to 18 meters (120 seating capacity). With a full charge, the Kayoola EVS can travel between 200 to 300 kilometres, making it well-suited for daily urban transportation needs. Its substantial seating capacity offers significant returns for bus operators while helping to reduce congestion on city roads.
The Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum aims to enhance economic and commercial ties between Uganda and Tanzania. This year’s theme, “Enhancing Our Win-Win Partnership,” underscores the collaborative spirit, with the Ugandan delegation keen to leverage 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 – Office of the President, alongside the leadership of Kiira Motors Corporation. During the forum, the team engaged with diplomats, business leaders, and key players from both the public and private sectors, showcasing Kiira Motors’ extensive range of products and services.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Musenero said, “It is an honour for Uganda to introduce the Kayoola EVS to Tanzania, a testament to Uganda’s technological advancements in providing sustainable mobility solutions for the African market. We look forward to fostering synergies between our nations, the East African Community, and Africa as a whole.”
Tanzania is a significant market for Kiira Motors, especially with the substantial improvements in the country’s public transport system through the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (DART) project. This large-scale infrastructure initiative by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) aims to enhance public transportation with a network of dedicated bus lanes, stations, and terminals.
According to the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), the DART system, which began its first phase in 2016 with twenty-nine buses and five terminals, has significantly reduced a 20km journey from three hours to 45 minutes, decreased reliance on private cars, cut emissions, and provided a safe and affordable travel solution for the city’s over eight million residents.
Kiira Motors aims to leverage this development to expand its market reach within East Africa and beyond. KMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi emphasized that the organization’s value proposition is centred on replacing imported mobility solutions with an African-built electric vehicle platform to improve public transport efficiency.
“This initiative aims to lead the e-mobility revolution and the decarbonization of transportation in East Africa. By localizing the development and deployment of electric vehicles, Kiira Motors Corporation seeks to enhance environmental sustainability and stimulate economic growth within the region,” Musasizi said.
He added that Kiira Motors Corporation also offers the 17m/400km and 12m/250km Articulated Kayoola Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses with carrying capacities of 120 (30 seated / 90 standing) and 83 (43 seated / 40 standing) respectively.
Additionally, the Kayoola Coach is available as an electric or diesel intercity bus, with models ranging from 10 meters (39 PAX) to 13 meters (63 PAX). The electric buses, when fully charged, can cover up to 500 kilometers.
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