Cooperation DGGF and Koneksie for safe mobility in Africa
Koneksie is a social enterprise that focuses on commercial solutions for social problems in emerging countries. Road accidents are a major cause of death in Africa. Therefore, the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) co-finances the development of safe and reliable mobility in Africa in cooperation with Dutch company Koneksie.
A mobility solution of Koneksie is called Kibo. Kibo is a motorcycle company in Kenya that produces motorcycles especially built for the often bad, unpaved roads in Africa. In addition, Kibo is an affordable vehicle that requires minimal maintenance.
Thus, Kibo redefines the currently dangerous and unreliable African motorcycle market by introducing a purpose-built motorcycle that also includes advanced rider training, top class helmet, warranty and after sales servicing.
Dutch design
Kibo’s first model is the K150 motorcycle. The K150 is designed in Holland, made in Kenya and built for Africa. The development of a second model, the K250, is in progress. The motorcycles will be primarily used by companies, organizations and individuals who daily depend on reliable motorcycles. Companies such as courier services, security companies and NGOs which, for example, transport medicines.
East African production
To submit a more secure mobility in Africa additionally, the DGGF funding is intended for the scale-up of assembly and production activities in the Nairobi Area (Kenya) and the commercialization of both motorcycle models in East Africa.
Maintenance and training
Huib van de Grijspaarde , director of Koneksie: "With Kibo we want to offer a solution to a social problem in East Africa, but with a commercial product. For this we have developed a solid and safe motorcycle which is sold in combination with a maintenance program for the engine and a training program for drivers." Moreover, market expansion will create more local jobs and will transfer knowledge and technology within the African continent.