Technology company Roam has introduced Kenya’s first electric bus: Roam Move shuttle bus. The eco-friendly electric car made in Kenya boasts numerous advantages for both commuters and the environment.
To begin with it is capable of covering a distance of 200km on a single full charge. It comes with a strong 170kWh battery pack and rapid plug-in charging capabilities that can power it up entirely in under two hours.
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The vehicle’s most notable characteristic is arguably its almost noiseless glide which notably reduces noise pollution in crowded areas. It will take Kenyans quite a while to get used to this noiseless drive in a city where loud revving has become part of the lifestyle.
Roam sales director Dennis Wakaba says the new vehicle will revolutionize public transportation in Kenya. By advocating the utilization of renewable and locally sourced energy, reducing the dependence on fossil fuel imports, and offering a zero-emission alternative, eco-friendly transport tackles and resolves pressing air quality concerns.
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In Kenya, transportation is a major contributor to air pollution, as outdated, inefficient, and poorly maintained vehicles that burn fossil fuels are commonly used. Emissions from vehicles add toxins to the atmosphere which can impact our wellbeing negatively.
The presence of substances like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter makes these pollutants a health risk. Â Health problems arise from the inhalation of these toxins, as identified by the World Health Organization which concludes that preventable factors, including air pollution, are to blame for the majority of non-communicable diseases.
In Kenya, breathing polluted air has been tied to medical conditions including stroke, cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. Approximately seven million people worldwide lose their lives to air pollution annually.
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In Kenya, non-communicable diseases are estimated to make up 41% of overall deaths. A study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that air pollution in Kenya causes over 21,000 premature deaths annually.
It is imperative to quickly address the adverse effects of air pollution on health, the economy, and the environment through concerted efforts by the government, private entities, and people. An essential step is to act promptly by composing policies that aim to cut back emissions from transportation.
