В Кении запущены экологичные трехколесные такси на сжиженном газе

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 6 – Rising fuel prices are driving a growing number of Kenyans to consider cheaper and cleaner transport alternatives, with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered two- and three-wheelers emerging as an attractive option for riders and small business owners. As petrol prices remain elevated and operating costs continue to squeeze transport operators, LPG is increasingly being viewed as a cost-effective fuel that can help reduce daily expenses while lowering vehicle emissions. Capital FM spoke to Car and General (C&G) General Manager George Rubiri about the growing adoption of LPG-powered tuk-tuks and motorcycles, the potential savings for operators, and the role the technology could play in Kenya’s transition to cleaner mobility. As C&G, have you witnessed growing demand for LPG-powered three-wheelers in Kenya? If so, by what percentage has demand increased over the past year or recent period? LPG three-wheelers can deliver more than over 50 percent fuel savings vs petrol since LPG is generally cheaper. With volatile petrol prices squeezing operators’ margins, cheaper fuel becomes a major adoption trigger. We have just launched and we expect the uptake to be positive. Unlike conventional petrol-powered three-wheelers, what are the key advantages of LPG-enabled models in terms of operating costs, emissions, maintenance, and overall efficiency? LPG three-wheelers offer a clear cost advantage, with fuel costs of about Sh3.9 per kilometre compared to Sh7.6 on petrol—directly increasing drivers’ daily earnings. Environmentally, LPG burns cleaner, emitting around 15 percent less CO₂, 80 percent less NOx, and zero sulphur, improving air quality. Operationally, cleaner combustion reduces engine wear, lowers maintenance frequency, and extends service intervals, resulting in fewer breakdowns. In addition, LPG engines are quieter, contributing to a more comfortable urban transport environment. What challenges have you encountered in promoting the adoption of LPG-powered and how is the company addressing these barriers? Adoption of LPG three-wheelers in Kenya is constrained by limited refuelling infrastructure, slow ecosystem development, low awareness on safety and savings, and evolving regulatory frameworks. C&G is addressing adoption challenges through targeted customer education on safety and cost benefits, while partnering with financiers to provide accessible funding and working with fuel companies to expand autogas infrastructure and availability. Have you already launched LPG-powered three-wheelers in the Kenyan market, or are there plans to do so in the near future? We have just launched this product on June 9, 2026. C&G launched the LPG three-wheeler in Kenya to deliver smarter, cleaner and more cost-efficient mobility that boosts driver earnings while reducing emissions. Beyond LPG-powered vehicles, is C&G considering introducing electric motorcycles as demand for cleaner mobility solutions grows? C&G’s expansion into alternative fuel mobility is part of a broader strategy to deliver cleaner, more affordable transport solutions across the region. In Kenya, the company has already introduced electric three-wheelers and is now working with partners to roll out electric two-wheelers, while the launch of the LPG model builds on this push for cost-efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. Regionally, C&G has also introduced CNG three-wheelers in Tanzania, reflecting a phased approach to scaling sustainable transport solutions tailored to different markets. Does the company collaborate with ride-hailing, delivery, or logistics firms to promote the uptake of cleaner two-wheelers? C&G collaborates with hailing platforms and logistics firms by aligning on fleet solutions, financing and driver incentives to accelerate the adoption of cleaner, lower-cost vehicles. Looking ahead, do you expect demand for traditional fossil fuel-powered motorcycles to decline as LPG and electric alternatives become more widely available and affordable? The transition to cleaner energy options will be gradual, with LPG, CNG and electric technologies expected to coexist for several years rather than replace each other overnight. In the near term, LPG adoption is expected to scale quickly by leveraging existing petrol station networks, which can be easily equipped with LPG pumps, alongside a growing ecosystem of vehicle conversion providers and available financing options. Additionally, the LPG three-wheelers are designed with dual fuel capability – LPG and petrol – giving drivers flexibility and confidence during the transition.