University, car dealer team up to accelerate EV innovation

Energy PS Alex Wachira, enquires about Kenya Power's Electric Vehicle fleet during the 3rd Annual E-Mobility Conference as Kenya Power Managing Director & CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror and Kenya Power Transport Manager David Mugambi look on. [Courtesy]

Strathmore University has teamed up with ECTA Kenya Ltd (Subaru Kenya and JAC Kenya) to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Kenya.

The collaboration took centre stage last week as JAC Kenya unveiled its 100 per cent electric double-cabin vehicle to students at the university.

The initiative gives students rare hands-on access to EV technology, allowing them to explore the design, engineering, and functionality behind one of the latest electric mobility solutions on the market.

As Kenya pushes forward with its green transition, the showcase will equip students with insights into a rapidly growing sector that is shaping the future of global transport.

Kenya is on the brink of an electric mobility revolution, and there's a growing demand for engineers and innovators who understand how EVs work, from battery systems to energy-efficient designs.

Strathmore University, a known leader in STEM education, is seizing this moment to bridge classroom theory with industrial innovation. For engineering students, the partnership opened a direct line to the technical inner workings of electric vehicles. They interacted with JAC engineers, examined the EV's components up close, and discussed the innovations that make electric mobility a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines.

JAC's electric vehicle will also take a front-row role at Strathmore's annual VC Run, where it will serve as the official pace car. The vehicle will provide real-time updates to runners as they take on the course.

The VC Run is one of the university's key fundraising events, supporting student scholarships and academic initiatives. "We are grateful to ECTA Kenya Ltd for creating this experience," said Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr Vincent Ogutu. "Scholarships make education possible, and initiatives like this one expand learning beyond the classroom.

The partnership between ECTA Kenya Ltd and Strathmore University highlights a shared vision, specifically, preparing youth for a future shaped by sustainable technology.

"This is the kind of synergy we need, where business brings innovation to institutions of higher learning, and students bring fresh thinking to industry," noted Defence Kioko, Marketing Manager, ECTA Ltd (Subaru Kenya and JAC Kenya).