Spiro sets up electric bike assembly hub and academy in Nairobi: What this means for the local economy

In a remarkable stride towards revolutionising transportation in Kenya and boosting the local economy, electric motorbike company Spiro has inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing centre and academy on Old Mombasa Road in Nairobi. This new facility is set to become a linchpin in Spiro’s ambitious expansion across Africa.

The advanced manufacturing centre boasts impressive capabilities, with plans to produce 50,000 motorcycles and 100,000 batteries annually through double-shift operations, and 25,000 chargers per year via a single shift. This development is not only a significant milestone for Spiro, but also a boon for the local job market. The company has already created over 50 new positions for Nairobi residents.

Alongside the manufacturing hub, Spiro has introduced the Spiro Academy. This initiative aims to upskill local talent by offering comprehensive training in electric bike and battery manufacturing and assembly. The Academy underscores Spiro’s commitment to fostering youth employment and female empowerment, providing valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth within the community.

Deputy Head of Spiro Kenya Raymond Kitunga, shared his pride in the company’s new initiatives: “We are thrilled about the positive impact our manufacturing centre and academy are having on the community. Spiro’s dedication to delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits through our electric vehicle production is evident. We’re creating jobs, advancing sustainable solutions, and supporting local development.”

In a swift accomplishment, Spiro has already deployed its 1,000th bike in Kenya within just one month of operations in Nairobi. As the new manufacturing centre reaches its full production capacity, this number is expected to rise rapidly, cementing Spiro’s role in transforming Kenya’s transportation sector.

The timing of this launch is crucial, given Africa's increasing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which are rising by seven percent annually. Air pollution, a significant issue on the continent, leads to about 1.1 million premature deaths each year. By transitioning to electric motorbikes that produce no exhaust emissions, Spiro is making a substantial contribution to reducing urban air pollution and promoting healthier living environments.

The company’s CFO Wangeci Kanjama, expressed her excitement about the new projects: “This factory and the Spiro Academy are integral to our commitment to supporting local employment and empowering women. They represent significant steps towards creating meaningful opportunities and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nairobi.”

Spiro’s innovative battery-swapping technology enhances its offerings further. The company’s unique model includes a network of swapping stations, fast and slow chargers, and home charging solutions. This approach ensures that riders have access to energy when and where they need it, providing a seamless, efficient, and environmentally friendly riding experience.

For those keen to experience the benefits of Spiro’s innovations first-hand, a ride on one of their electric boda bodas (local slang for commuter motorbikes) offers a smooth, powerful, and eco-friendly transportation alternative.

Spiro’s latest ventures in Nairobi highlight its commitment to driving positive change across Africa, merging technological advancements with community-focused development in a truly transformative way.

Pioneering skills development for Kenya’s EV industry

The newly launched Spiro Academy, officially opened on July 15 alongside the Spiro EV Campus in Nairobi, marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to nurture local talent and address the skills gap in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

“With Spiro Academy, we are taking a significant step towards meeting the demand for skilled professionals in the EV industry. Our goal is to upskill over 10,000 young Kenyans in the coming years. This initiative not only targets youth unemployment but also aligns with Kenya's National Skill Development Agenda, ensuring that local talent is prepared for high-quality job opportunities,” said Kitunga.

The Academy offers a comprehensive range of programmes, including an 18-month graduate tech training course, a one-year EV specialisation programme in collaboration with Kenya Tech University and Flemming College, and certifications for mechanics without formal education. It also features an entrepreneurship course to support new ventures in the EV sector.

In addition to these training programmes, Spiro has recently facilitated international learning opportunities for its Nairobi teams. Staff members have been sent to China and India to gain advanced skills, which will further bolster Kenya’s burgeoning EV industry and enhance the local talent pool.

Spiro's Chief HR Officer Shuvai Madanhire, highlighted the Academy’s role in empowering local communities: “Spiro Academy is more than just a training centre; it is a platform for young Kenyans, particularly women, to gain valuable skills and enhance their career prospects. We are committed to supporting their professional growth and contributing to the broader development of the EV industry.”

The Academy’s robust curriculum includes hands-on apprenticeships, specialised EV knowledge, and formal qualifications for mechanics. The entrepreneurship course aims to inspire future business leaders, while the commitment to STEM careers seeks to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to education.

Moreover, Spiro is collaborating with the Government of Kenya to further enhance the Academy’s resources and reach.

The company’s dedication to local employment and skills-building goes beyond training. With over 18,000 electric motorbikes and 45,000 swappable batteries in operation across Africa, including Kenya, Spiro’s innovative battery-swapping technology is transforming urban transportation. Spiro riders have collectively travelled over a quarter of a billion kilometres, contributing to significant reductions in air pollution.

Spiro CEO Kaushik Burman, emphasised the importance of the Academy: “The launch of Spiro Academy represents a major investment in Kenya’s future. By focusing on local employment and skills development, we are creating valuable opportunities for youth and women, while driving the EV industry forward and supporting a sustainable future.”

With the opening of Spiro Academy, Spiro is setting a new benchmark for employment and skills development in Kenya, making a substantial impact on the country’s workforce and paving the way for a brighter future.