Sun Run is an innovation joint venture between two startups, E-Safiri and Kiri E.V., in collaboration with Sustainable Transport Africa and Glasgow Caledonian University. The shared goal is to create an electric mobility model tailored to the challenging transportation infrastructure in rural Kenya—an area that has long been left behind in the global green transition. Built on renewable energy technology and a specially designed electric vehicle ecosystem for rural settings, Sun Run not only provides a sustainable mode of transportation but also redefines the approach to infrastructure development in developing countries.
The core technological idea behind Sun Run is the integration of electric three-wheelers with solar-powered charging stations, particularly suited for regions without a stable electricity grid. The vehicles are specifically engineered for rough terrain and are operated under a PayGo (pay-as-you-go) model, which helps lower the barrier of upfront investment for local users. This combination of electric mobility and flexible financing allows Sun Run to tackle two critical challenges: accessibility and sustainability.
Another breakthrough in Sun Run’s model is the deployment of solar-powered charging stations integrated with cold storage facilities to serve the seafood preservation needs of fishermen in Kisumu, where the project’s first station is located at Dunga Beach. By combining multiple functions into a single solution, the startup not only provides energy access but also supports the local economic value chain—from fishing and preservation to distribution. Additionally, the Sun Run ecosystem includes supporting services such as battery swapping, repair, device charging, and accessory sales—enhancing the utility of electric vehicles while creating jobs for the community.
Technologically, Sun Run’s solar-powered charging station model represents an adaptive approach to the realities of rural African infrastructure. While developed nations pursue electric vehicle solutions dependent on national power grids, Sun Run has chosen a direction aligned with local conditions—where grid infrastructure is still underdeveloped. This distinction creates a competitive edge and offers potential for scaling in other regions with similar infrastructure challenges.
Beyond technology provision, Sun Run also runs skill-building programs for women and local youth, focusing on electric vehicle maintenance and entrepreneurship. This approach aims to build a localized EV ecosystem with active community participation. It is a strategic move toward sustainable development, reducing reliance on external technical teams and enabling knowledge transfer within the local population.
At the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, Sun Run had the opportunity to showcase its sustainable transport model and garnered significant attention from international organizations and regional investors.
The case of Sun Run illustrates an important lesson: innovation doesn’t always require complex or costly technology, but must be developed in alignment with local contexts. Identifying the right problem, choosing the right partners, and adopting an appropriate financial model are key factors for startups to sustain and thrive—especially in hard-to-reach markets like rural Africa. Moreover, building a supportive ecosystem—including technical services, training, and financing—is crucial to ensure the stability and scalability of a technological solution.
With its holistic and adaptive approach, Sun Run stands as a model example of applying renewable energy and electric mobility technologies to solve fundamental community issues—from transportation and food preservation to employment. The Sun Run model not only advances the adoption of renewable energy but also generates jobs, increases income, and creates pathways for sustainable economic opportunities in Kenya’s rural communities.
