Machakos Youth Receive 200 Electric Motorbikes in Ruto-Backed Empowerment Drive

In a major youth empowerment drive, 200 electric motorcycles were handed over to young people in Mwala Constituency, Machakos County. As part of a government-backed initiative blending economic upliftment with green mobility. The event, held at Masii’s Kawaya Stadium , was spearheaded by Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya in collaboration with the national government , Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). And electric mobility firm Spiro , with President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet , also in attendance. Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya and President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet during the official launch of a boda boda empowerment programme at Masii, Kawaya Stadium Kawaya described the distribution as the start of a “green revolution,” one designed to transform the boda-boda sector by giving ordinary Kenyans affordable and sustainable transport solutions. He stressed that grassroots communities must feel the direct impact of government policies, especially in the informal sector where the majority of youth seek livelihoods. Unlike previous schemes that placed the cost burden on riders, the programme covered the deposits for the motorcycles entirely. A move hailed as a turning point by Machakos County Boda-Boda Chairman Allan Musembi . https://www.facebook.com/honengvincent/posts/pfbid0NDZ4cfMhzrcg56gSXTQT5NKcEcameqpJpxQ7qfrKpCPN2Df27PYeDYKiLoEiJJs6l Additionally, he noted that earlier electric bike projects were out of reach, with prices soaring to Sh290,000 per unit , leaving many young riders excluded. The programme is anchored by strong institutional support. Spiro is establishing battery-swapping stations across Machakos to ensure riders do not waste time waiting for bikes to recharge, while KCB has rolled out affordable “green loans” allowing riders to own the bikes through daily payments of about Sh180 for 18 months. This financing model makes the venture accessible to a much wider pool of beneficiaries. The initiative fits into a wider momentum building around clean mobility in Machakos. Governor Wavinya Ndeti has embraced electric motorcycles, partnering with companies like Roam to expand charging hubs and launch e-motorcycles adapted to local terrain. At the national level, President William Ruto has committed to making electric mobility central to his sustainability agenda. He has proposed tax breaks to lower the cost of e-bikes, encouraged the local production of spare parts, and set an ambitious target to deploy 200,000 electric boda-bodas across the country. For Machakos youth, this programme represents much more than access to motorcycles. It provides a chance for income generation, business growth, and economic independence while promoting an eco-friendly transport culture. For the country at large, it symbolizes how innovation, public-private partnerships, and bold policy choices can intersect to deliver both empowerment and sustainability. ALSO READ: Uhuru Kenyatta Donates KSh 1.5M for Pastoral Centre in Kilifi