Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ki-journey provides an environmentally sustainable, efficient, and transparent student transportation solution by introducing electric school buses with real-time tracking and optimized routes, ensuring safety and reducing carbon emissions.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Ki-journey is transforming student transportation in Kenya by combining efficiency, safety, and sustainability. 170 million children commute daily with traditional diesel-powered school buses, which significantly contribute to pollution. Partnering with local electric vehicle startups, Ki-journey will introduce electric school buses, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Our pilot program in Lang'ata ,Nairobi will feature a single electric bus operated by a vetted driver and supported by an intuitive app. The app will allow parents to track journeys and receive instant notifications upon pickup and drop-off, ensuring safety with onboard childcare providers. Ki-journey's cloud-based system will connects parents, schools, students, drivers, and transport administrators, ensuring real-time tracking and complete transparency. Our innovative model optimizes routes to reduce commute times and improve bus utilization, cutting down the number of buses needed.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Ki-journey is addressing the inefficiency, environmental impact and lack of transparency in traditional student transportation systems in Kenya.As global CO2 levels exceed the IPCC's predicted 1.5°C warming threshold, transitioning from diesel-powered buses to electric buses is crucial for reducing emissions.Traditional diesel-powered school buses significantly contribute to pollution while inefficient route management leads to longer commute times and higher operational costs.Additionally,there is a need for safer and more reliable transportation as parents lack real-time information about their children's journey. We tackles these issues by introducing a cloud-based system that optimizes routes and ensures real-time tracking and notifications.Our e-buses operated by vetted drivers and supported by childcare personnel provide a safer, more efficient and transparent solution actively involving our children in the fight against climate change while ensuring their safety and well-being.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Environmental Sustainability: By transitioning from diesel-powered school buses to electric buses, we significantly reduces carbon emissions and contributes to environmental sustainability. This approach will combat climate change by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with student transportation. 2. Efficiency and Cost Savings: Ki-journey's cloud-based system optimizes routes and reduces the number of buses needed, leading to more efficient transportation operations. This not only cuts down on fuel and maintenance costs but also reduces commute times for students, improving overall efficiency and saving resources for schools and transportation providers. 3. Safety and Transparency: With real-time tracking and notifications, Ki-journey ensures transparency and enhances safety for students and parents. Parents can track their children's journeys, receive instant updates upon pickup and drop-off. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the transportation service.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Project Ki-journey aims to serve multiple stakeholders in education and transportation by improving overall experience and outcomes. The primary beneficiaries are students, who can commute to school efficiently, safely, and eco-friendly using Ki-journey's services. Parents on the other hand, benefit from real-time tracking and notifications, providing peace of mind regarding their children's safety during commutes. In addition, schools also benefit from ensuring students arrive punctually and safely, while aligning with sustainability initiatives through eco-friendly transportation options. Lastly, communities and the environment benefit from the sustainable solutions, reduced carbon emissions, and cleaner air, contributing to a healthier environment for all.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Geoffrey Amadi: Geoffrey sets the overall strategy and leads the business development team with over 3 years of experience in Business Development. He leverages his network & experience in climate initiatives which he built in his previous role while working at Octavia Carbon holds a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance from Strathmore University. 2. Irene Nzai: Irene leads the operations team with over 3 years of experience in Business Consulting and Investment analysis from McKinsey. Her primarily focuses is on developing and implementing processes and procedures to improve productivity and quality within the team. She holds a Bachelors degree in Financial Engineering from Strathmore University. 3. Nelson Mwanzia: Nelson leads the IT team. His focus is on developing and implementing the technology strategy. He has served as a Full Stack Web Developer. He holds a Bachelors degree in IT from KCA university and a soft engineering certification from Moringa School.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.figma.com/proto/xGpfhbKfWhQJKjwHUjZ7t4/Ki-journey-Clickable-Mockup?node-id=10-8924&t=fw7nqzMOvGq5qV8a-0&scaling=scale-down&content-scaling=fixed&page-id=0%3A1

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Through our project, we aim to create hundreds of new job opportunities including bus drivers, maintenance workers, app developers, customer service representatives, and administrative staff. Since inception, the team has grown from 1 team member to 4, with our latest addition of a UI/UX engineer .By offering these employment opportunities, Ki-journey will help these families improve their financial stability and contribute to the overall economic well-being of the community.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

N/A

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

By reducing pollution from diesel buses, Ki-journey contributes to better air quality, which is beneficial for public health. The enhanced safety measures also contribute to the well-being of children and peace of mind for parents. Through our sustainable approach of using electric vehicles compared to diesel buses, we are directly contributing to reducing pollution from this buses thus making the air quality better. In addition our enhance safety measures via use of real time tracking and vetted drivers and childcare providers also contribute to the well-being of children and peace of mind for parents.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Ki-journey ensures students reach school on time and safely, enhancing their ability to participate in educational activities without stress or delays. This reliable transportation system supports consistent school attendance, which is critical for quality education and improved learning outcomes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By ensuring safe and reliable transportation, Ki-journey can empower both boys and girls to attend school regularly. Safe transportation is particularly important for girls, who might otherwise face higher risks of harassment or dropout due to unsafe commuting conditions.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

N/A

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Ki-journey's transition from diesel-powered buses to electric buses directly contributes to the use of clean energy. By partnering with local electric vehicle start-ups, the project promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Ki-journey will generate employment opportunities within the electric vehicle sector and the transportation industry. This initiative supports economic expansion through innovation promotion, optimization of transport logistics, and reduction of operational expenses, potentially resulting in widespread economic advantages.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Project Ki-journey will promote innovation with its cloud-based system for optimizing routes and real-time tracking. It advances infrastructure by integrating electric buses and cultivating partnerships with local start-ups, thereby promoting sustainable industrial development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By providing an efficient and affordable transportation solution, Ki-journey can help reduce inequalities in access to education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may otherwise face transportation barriers.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Ki-journey contributes to sustainable urban development by reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing the overall efficiency of school transportation systems. This aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

N/A

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Project Ki-journey directly tackles climate change by significantly reducing carbon emissions through the deployment of electric buses. By mitigating the environmental footprint of student transportation, Ki-journey actively contributes to broader climate action initiatives.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

N/A

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By reducing emissions from diesel buses, Ki-journey helps protect terrestrial ecosystems from pollution. The shift to electric vehicles supports the sustainable use of land resources and contributes to healthier urban environments.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Ki-journey fosters transparency and accountability in student transportation by providing real-time tracking and notifications to parents and schools. This transparency builds trust among all stakeholders, contributing to a sense of security and peace of mind. Additionally, by ensuring safe and reliable transportation, Ki-journey supports inclusive education, which is foundational for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Ki-journey exemplifies effective partnerships by collaborating with local electric vehicle start-ups and stakeholders in the education and transportation sectors. These partnerships are crucial for implementing sustainable development practices and achieving the SDGs.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

Ki-journey is pioneering an innovative mobility solution by integrating multiple novel elements: adopting electric vehicles for sustainability, implementing cloud-based route optimization analytics for efficiency, and providing a real-time tracking app for safety/transparency. This combination of sustainable transportation technology, data-driven operations, and customer-centric digital connectivity addresses critical societal needs around environmental impact, operational optimization, and user experience - gaps not adequately met by existing student transportation models. While individual innovations exist, Ki-journey uniquely combines them into one cohesive, tech-driven, socially/environmentally impactful concept tailored for the Kenyan education sector. No other player offers such a future-forward, sustainable, digitally-optimized mobility solution focused on revolutionizing student journeys.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Ki-journey stands apart from its main potential competitors - existing student transportation providers operating traditional diesel-powered school buses or vans across Kenya. Unlike these established operators and informal services, we are pioneering a novel, innovative mobility model tailored explicitly for the education sector's needs. At the forefront of its differentiation is environmental sustainability through the adoption of zero-emission electric buses, reducing carbon footprint compared to competitors' fossil-fuel vehicles. Complementing this is the integrated cloud technology platform optimizing routes and schedules via analytics for unmatched operational efficiency. This system further provides real-time journey tracking and instant notifications, addressing parents' concerns around safety and transparency a key advantage over current offerings. In addition, Ki-journey prioritizes student safety by incorporating on-board childcare staff and vetted bus drivers.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, We envision prioritizing leadership roles for women within our organization, fostering role models and a pipeline for future female entrepreneurs. In addition, we aim to integrate gender equality into our CSR efforts by dedicating profits to micro-grants for women in mobility and sustainability . This holistic approach will ensure Ki-journey not only innovates but also cultivates inclusive opportunities for women in entrepreneurship.