Kenyan electric-mobility startup Roam has introduced the country's first universal fast-charging station for light electric vehicles (LEVs), offering riders 10-20 kilometres of range in under five minutes.
The launch of "Roam Point" marks the start of a nationwide rollout of high-speed charging infrastructure designed to support the country's fast-growing electric two- and three-wheel market.
Founded in 2017 and rebranded earlier this year, Roam designs and manufactures electric motorcycles and buses locally for mass-market use across Africa. The company has raised $7.5 million since 2021 and recently secured an additional $24 million to expand production capacity and accelerate the deployment of electric transport solutions.
Roam Point operates as a self-service station, allowing riders to charge using SMS, M-Pesa (USSD), or the Roam app. The stations enable daily ranges of up to 160 kilometres through a mix of home charging and fast charging on the go.
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"The Roam Point builds on the battery-ownership model, which gives riders full control of their batteries," said country manager Habib Lukaya. "Whether it's home charging, hub rental, or fast charging on the move, we want to empower riders with the choice that fits their needs."
The rollout positions Roam as a key player in Kenya's shift toward electric mobility.
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Key Takeaways
Roam's fast-charging rollout signals an important step in Kenya's electric-mobility transition as the market for electric motorcycles expands. With most electric two-wheelers limited by slow home-charging times and a lack of public infrastructure, fast-charging stations could help eliminate a major barrier to adoption. Delivering up to 20 kilometres of range in minutes aligns with the needs of boda-boda riders, delivery workers and urban commuters who require continuous uptime. Roam's model--where riders own their batteries and choose between home charging, rental hubs and fast charging--offers flexibility compared to swap-only or subscription-based systems. This could improve cost predictability and user control, two factors that influence fleet operators ' and individual purchasing decisions. The company's recent $24 million funding round and focus on local manufacturing strengthen its ability to scale production and infrastructure simultaneously. If Roam can expand Roam Point across major cities, it could set a national benchmark for LEV charging standards and support wider adoption of clean, affordable mobility across East Africa.
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