Middle East war lifts electric motorcycle sales in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Middle East war launched by the United States and Israel in February has pushed up fuel prices in import-dependent Kenya by 22 percent, driving an unexpected surge in electric motorcycle sales across the country. The shift is reshaping the boda-boda sector, the motorbike taxis that carry passengers and goods through Nairobi's congested streets. Motorbike taxi driver Wisly Onyaiti said he saves about 2,000 Kenyan shillings (around $15) a day after switching from petrol to an electric motorcycle. In a country where many workers earn less than $100 a month, the reduction in running costs is a meaningful change for operators. The Kenya E-Mobility Association said electric motorcycle sales rose 40 percent in the three months following the start of the conflict. Local and international companies including ArcRide, Ampersand and Roam are competing for share in the expanding market. The Middle East war continues to influence fuel-importing economies well beyond the region, with African transport sectors among the most visibly affected by rising energy costs.