Mombasa tuk-tuk drivers switch to electric as coastal city pushes clean energy revolution
Among the early adopters is 28-year-old driver Hashim Ali, who says the shift has been a relief. He no longer spends most of his income on fuel and servicing.
For years, the rattle of petrol-powered tuk-tuks has defined Mombasa’s narrow alleys and busy roads. From ferrying schoolchildren to hauling goods to Kongowea market, the three-wheelers have been indispensable.
But they have also brought choking fumes, congestion, and rising fuel costs.
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Now, that familiar picture is beginning to change.
A county-led initiative is encouraging thousands of drivers to switch to electric models, as part of broader efforts to clean up transport, expand walking and cycling lanes, and scale up solar energy across Kenya’s second-largest city.
Among the early adopters is 28-year-old driver Hashim Ali, who says the shift has been a relief. He no longer spends most of his income on fuel and servicing.
“The savings are real, and the vehicle is smoother on the road. With the old tuk-tuks, you were in the garage every week. This one lets me focus on making money,” he said.
Fuel and repairs
Khalid Abdullahi, another driver, shared a similar experience.
“I used to spend half my earnings on fuel and repairs. With this electric one, I save money, and customers even thank me for a cleaner ride.”
The impact goes beyond the drivers. Passengers say the new tuk-tuks have changed the way they move around the tourist city. Journeys are now quieter and smoke-free, while operators spend less time in the garage.
“When I sit in this new tuk-tuk, I don’t hear the usual noise or smell the exhaust. It makes me feel like our city is finally changing for the better,” said Riziki Ba Mzee, a Mombasa resident.
What once seemed like a trial is becoming part of everyday life. Passengers praise the smoother rides, fewer fumes, and less dust—changes that many see as the start of a cleaner, more comfortable way of living.
Smoother ride
“The ride is smoother and I arrive without dust on my clothes. If more of these come to our streets, daily life will be more comfortable for everyone,” said Farhat Sheikh, a regular passenger.
County officials say such feedback is just the beginning.
According to County Executive Committee Member for Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change Resilience, Emily Achieng, the initiative is about more than convenience.
“Transport accounts for nearly 40 per cent of Mombasa’s greenhouse gas emissions. By retrofitting existing tuk-tuks and introducing incentives like reduced monthly fees, we are helping drivers shift to cleaner, affordable alternatives,” she said.
The county is also redesigning its streets to give more space to pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the daily risks of squeezing between lorries and matatus.
“These initiatives position Mombasa as a leader in sustainable urban transport,” Achieng added, stressing that the goal is not only environmental but also about healthier lifestyles and safer neighbourhoods.
Low maintenance costs
Private companies are joining in, too. David Chesoni, Managing Director of Car and General Trading Limited, said their Piaggio Ape E-City FX Max is already in use locally.
“The electric model offers low maintenance costs, a one-year warranty, and up to 120 kilometres on a full charge. For operators, this can mean savings of as much as Sh26,000 every month,” he said.
The clean energy transition extends beyond transport. Achieng said more than 700 households and small businesses have already received solar kits, with 1,000 more expected this year. Larger facilities such as hospitals and schools are also being solarised.
“The plan is to solarise all county institutions by the 2025/26 financial year, so that energy bills drop and services remain reliable,” she explained.
Meanwhile, residents in busy neighbourhoods are witnessing another quiet shift.
Air quality sensors
New air quality sensors—installed at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Kenya Ports Authority, several schools, and Bamburi Cement—are now tracking pollution levels in real time.
“For us to enforce the law, we need evidence. These sensors provide data that help identify hotspots and hold polluting industries accountable. At the same time, the information guides urban planning, ensuring residential areas remain safe while industrial zones are properly regulated,” Achieng said.
Schools are also part of the campaign. Pupils take part in tree-planting competitions and run environmental clubs, earning rewards for recycling and water conservation projects.
Along the coastline, mangrove restoration initiatives are giving young people a direct role in protecting their environment.
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