Social media was on Monday, November 21 awash with reports of Kenya Mpya Bus Company, a leading Matatu operator, auctioning a fleet of buses with an average price tag of between Ksh2 million to Ksh4 million.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a representative at the Kenya Mpya affirmed the auction, pointing out that it was the company's decision to offload the buses to acquire new ones.
The source also noted the company was moving towards purchasing electric buses, stating that the project was still underway.
"Yes, we are auctioning the buses. The move is aimed at offloading the buses as we purchase new fleets," the source stated.
Auction
According to the representative, those interested to purchase one of the buses are advised to physically visit their offices located along the Eastern Bypass.
"We have a yard where we line up the fleet of buses and also trucks and showcase them to potential buyers," the source stated.
"In most instances, those interested are flanked by a valuer who estimates the value of the bus before the negotiations begin," the representative added.
Going Electric
Touted as the pioneer electric matatu operator, Kenya Mpya revealed the project's plans in June 2021.
At the time, Brian Chege, whose company Meta Electric was contracted by Kenya Mpya to map out the plan, revealed that they had carried out tests along Thika Road prior to the project's launch.
"The first client we have signed so far is Kenya Mpya which is, I think, the biggest bus company in Nairobi. They are testing out electric vehicles along their Thika-Nairobi route with the hope that in the future they will replace even their buses.
"At the moment, we have provided vans in the market but we are also in the process of bringing buses and mini-vans," he explained at the time.
According to Chege, the move to go electric had the potential of cutting fuel costs by up to 80 percent. He, however, pointed out that purchasing one electric vehicle is 50 percent more expensive than petrol or diesel ones.
