Kenya’s e-mobility startup, BasiGo has won Ksh 3 million ($25,000) Keeling Curve Prize (KCP) for its efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Basi-Go is among 10 companies awarded the prize by the Global Warming Mitigation Project (GWMP) to celebrate the impactful climate mitigation efforts of global projects.
Another Kenyan-based firm, Koko Networks which develops clean ethanol cooking fuel and other cooking solutions also secured $25,000 in funding.
“I was proud to just be selected as a finalist and being selected as a winner of this year’s Keeling Curve Prize is beyond words. We began this journey with a mission to show the world that East Africa could be a leader in the fight against climate change and are proud to have our vision recognized. There is a lot of work ahead, but we look forward to continuing this journey of electrifying mobility in Kenya and beyond,” said Jit Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and CEO at BasiGo added.
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BasiGo has been piloting two electric passenger buses in Nairobi, in partnership with Citi Hoppa and East Shuttles, since March 2022. The buses have covered over 42,000 kilometres of passenger operations.
According to GWMP this year’s winners were recognised for innovations such as green nitrogen fertilizer production, seaweed cultivation for cattle feed, alcohols produced from CO2 and e-mobility.
“Greenhouse gas emissions are the driving force behind the climate emergency. This can and must be addressed, worldwide. Elevating and investing in proven projects and programs is a valuable way the GWMP is lighting up the landscape for a liveable future,” added Jacque Francis during the announcing winners at this year’s KCP Winners Ceremony, held in Darmstadt, Germany.
Each year, the Keeling Curve Prize awards $25,000 to 10 projects and programs across the globe with demonstrated success in reducing, eliminating, avoiding, or drawing down greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. The 2022 prize attracted nearly 400 applications.
Other winners of the prize were Wastezon, Enzinc, Symbrosia, Nitricity, Canopy, Air Company, MEETS Coalition and GreenMax Capital Advisors.
Source: KBC
