Rolling Into Addis: A Convoy of Hope and Electric Momentum – Adama to Addis Ababa
Flagg off - Nairobi to Nanyuki
Road to Addis – Day One Reflections – By Paul Kidero from Intro Africa – 5th October 2025 – Day one of the Road to Addis was a day I had been anticipating for some time. It marked a new chapter, my first time driving an electric car, my first time heading to Ethiopia, and my first time preparing for such a long road trip: 1,600 kilometers across two countries.
The Send-Off at Uhuru Park
The day began at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, where we gathered for the official launch. It was energizing to see so many people curious and excited about electric vehicles. You could feel the spark in conversations people asking how EVs work, realizing they might be cheaper to maintain, and wondering if we would really make it all the way to Addis Ababa. That curiosity is exactly what this journey is about: proving what’s possible.
When the convoy rolled out of Uhuru Park, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This was stepping outside my comfort zone. Normally, as a photographer and drone operator, I stay behind the camera. But here I was, in front of the lens, interacting with people, and being part of something historic. It felt like personal growth happening in real time.
We rolled out with our partners Munja Energy powering the journey, Kabisa with the Truck and pickup, Kenya Power in the Jac and our electric main motorcycle partner Spiro and support partner Roam Electric going all the way and Ampersand joining the first drive. Supported ny a number of partners on the way to Africa Mobility Week in Addis Ababa.
I stayed behind briefly with Iggy (Ignacio Hennigs) to capture drone shots of the convoy as it moved along the Nairobi Expressway, stunning visuals of history in motion. Then we had to jump into an Uber to catch up, slipping into our seats to continue the journey toward Nanyuki.
Learning the Electric Drive
Driving an EV was an adventure in itself. Getting used to regenerative braking, the sensitivity of the accelerator, and the silence of the motor, it’s a whole new experience. Once you get the rhythm, it feels simple, smooth, and efficient.
But with new experiences come challenges. Coordinating a convoy with cars and two electric motorbikes required patience and planning. Speeds had to be adjusted, stops carefully coordinated. It was trial and error at first, but by the time we were heading toward Nanyuki, the flow began to settle.
Challenges on the Road
Much of the journey to Nanyuki happened in the dark, which limited the scenic moments but added to the endurance factor of the trip. On arrival, the real logistical test began: charging. Since Kenya doesn’t yet have widespread EV charging infrastructure, our partner Kenya Power support us with their substations. That meant late-night coordination, moving cars between accommodation and substations on motorbikes, juggling adapters, and experimenting with different setups.
It’s not the convenience of pulling into a petrol station and refueling in minutes. It’s running cables, learning which adapters work, and waiting hours for a charge. But that’s the reality of being early in the e-mobility journey, and I embrace these challenges. Because one day, when EVs are everywhere, we’ll look back and see how far we’ve come.
Looking Ahead
Even with the challenges, the excitement hasn’t dimmed. This journey, even though from Nairobi to Addis, it’s also about clean mobility, sustainable cross-border trade, and showing that vehicles cheaper to maintain and better for the environment can change lives.
Day one is behind us, and the road ahead is long. But every kilometer forward is a step toward proving that Africa can drive the future of mobility.
