Electric bus startup, BasiGo, was ranked among the top ten global innovations that seek to revolutionise the public transport sector.
The 2022 Keeling Curve Prize (KCP) winners were announced at the Curious Future Insight Conference, held in Darmstadt, Germany.
The award recognizes innovations that aim at reducing, or eliminating gas emissions in the atmosphere. The company was praised for offering an alternative to diesel that is pocket-friendly.
"BasiGo is an early-stage e-mobility startup looking to revolutionize the public transportation sector by providing public transport bus owners with a cost-effective electric alternative to diesel. It is located in Nairobi, Kenya," read part of the statement from the ceremony.
The Keeling Curve Prize had attracted nearly 400 applications across the world, with BasiGo emerging top in the transport and mobility category. Following the win, the electric bus company will receive Ksh2.95 million for the innovation.
The prize is part of a program of the Global Warming Mitigation Project - that is tasked with identifying and highlighting programs that increase carbon uptake.
During the award ceremony, the Global Warming Mitigation Project (GWMP), Jacque Francis, noted that the project ought to be emulated by other startups.
"Greenhouse gas emissions are the driving force behind the climate emergency. This can and must be addressed, worldwide. Elevating and investing in proven projects and programs is a valuable way the GWMP is lighting up the landscape for a liveable future,' she noted.
BasiGo came into the fold in November 2021, launching its operations in Nairobi in order to bring clean energy options to the public transport sector.
During the rollout of the services, the company's chief executive, Jit Bhattacharya, noted that the buses would come in 25 and 36-seater capacities and travel at a speed of 250 kilometres per hour on a full charge.
Operators also pay a subscription fee of Ksh 20 per kilometre. This caters to the maintenance and charging of the buses.
