Doreen Orishaba leads BasiGo’s initiative to introduce electric buses to Rwanda, transforming urban transportation sustainably.
Doreen Orishaba, a Ugandan engineer and mobility specialist, is currently serving as the Managing Director of BasiGo—a position she assumed in February 2024. Her appointment followed her work on BasiGo’s pilot projects in Kenya and built on a career that spans both international engineering roles and regional transport innovation.
Orishaba began her career with Ford Motor Company in Michigan, where she gained practical experience in the automotive industry. Upon returning to East Africa, she joined Kiira Motors Corporation in Uganda, where she contributed to the development of the region’s first locally manufactured electric buses. This early exposure to electric vehicle technology has continued to influence her work in public transport electrification.
In January 2022, she joined BasiGo, a Nairobi-based startup focused on accelerating the switch from diesel-powered buses to electric ones in African cities. The company’s Pay-As-You-Drive model allows operators to acquire electric buses with minimal upfront costs, instead of paying a daily fee based on distance travelled. The package includes charging, maintenance, and insurance, aiming to reduce the total cost of ownership while ensuring reliability. According to the company, the model guarantees over 90% fleet uptime.
Orishaba initially led BasiGo’s pilot operations in Nairobi, which launched with two electric buses. After six months of managing passenger service in Kenya’s capital, she transitioned to lead the company’s expansion into Rwanda. In December 2023, BasiGo launched its pilot service in Kigali, introducing the “R10 Rumuri,” an electric bus operating in partnership with Kigali Bus Services.
Financial support has played a significant role in facilitating this expansion. In October 2024, BasiGo secured a $42 million funding round to accelerate the deployment of electric buses across East Africa. According to the company, the capital will be utilised to deliver 1,000 electric buses across East Africa over the next three years, with a strong emphasis on expanding BasiGo’s presence in both Kenya and Rwanda.
Orishaba’s role involves more than overseeing fleet deployment. She also engages with policymakers, stakeholders, and operators to ensure the integration of electric mobility within existing public transport systems. Her work aligns with a growing trend across East Africa to pair renewable energy resources with transportation reform, as countries seek climate-friendly solutions to urban growth challenges.
As BasiGo expands its presence in Rwanda, Doreen Orishaba plays a crucial role in transforming pilot projects into sustainable systems change. Her background in both engineering and project implementation positions her as a leader, shaping the future of mobility in Africa.
