Kenya speeds up transition to electric mobility
Electric vehicles on display at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi on May 4, 2025 during the flag-off of the 77-kilometre EV Parade marking the start of the 3rd Annual E-mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo.
What you need to know:
- The country aims to integrate renewable energy sources like geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind, into a green electricity grid for electric vehicles, designed to deliver real environmental benefits
The third annual E-mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo in Nairobi showcased Kenya's determination to transform its transport sector through electric vehicles (EVs), aiming for cleaner air, reduced emissions, and inclusive economic growth.
From May 4 to May 6, Nairobi hosted a continental gathering of government officials, industry leaders, and development partners to accelerate the country's transition to electric mobility. The event emphasised Kenya's strategy to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, expand charging infrastructure, and promote local manufacturing.
Kenya's transport sector accounts for about 23 per cent of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to State Department for Energy PS Alex Wachira. He emphasised the need for change and presented Kenya as a leader in Africa's electric mobility revolution, following the examples of Norway and China. PS Wachira reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2030, which aligns with the Climate Change Act and the COP26 declaration.
The country aims to integrate renewable energy sources like geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind, into a green electricity grid for EVs, designed to deliver real environmental benefits. The draft National Energy Policy (2024) and the Kenya National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2020) target a five per cent share of EVs among new vehicle registrations annually by 2025. As of December 2024, Kenya had registered approximately 9,000 EVs (including both cars and motorcycles), aided by reduced excise duties and VAT exemptions.
Mr Wachira acknowledged financing gaps, infrastructure issues, and limited public awareness. He emphasised the need for collaboration among government ministries, the private sector, and international agencies. Initiatives such as the electric Bus Rapid Transit pilot and partnerships with Unep and the World Bank on e-motorcycles highlight ongoing multi-stakeholder efforts.
The conference featured a 77-kilometre EV parade across Nairobi, a public demonstration of EV viability and growing acceptance in urban settings. This event reinforced Kenya's readiness to embrace cleaner transport alternatives, reflecting global trends where EVs are projected to constitute more than one in four new car sales by 2030.
Kenya Power is investing Sh258 million over three years to install 45 new charging stations in six counties within the next 12 months to alleviate range anxiety and enhance charging access in urban areas. "We're prioritising renewable energy for these stations to maximise environmental benefits and cut operational costs," said a Kenya Power representative at the event.
Government policies like e-mobility tariff, reduced excise duty from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and VAT exemptions for fully electric cars, have significantly boosted the adoption of EVs. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reported that from July to December 2023, 2,694 new EVs were registered, increasing the total at that time to 3,753. EPRA also noted a 160 per cent rise in energy consumption in the electric mobility category during this period, reflecting increased EV usage.
Electric motorcycles dominate Kenya's EV landscape, according to Hezbon Mose, president of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya. "Two-wheelers account for the majority of our electric vehicles, with projections estimating over 60,000 electric motorcycles by 2030," said Hezbon.
This trend is driven by rising public awareness of climate change and urban air pollution, plus the lower entry cost compared to electric cars.
John Kamau, a delivery rider who recently switched to an electric motorcycle, shared his experience: "The daily charging costs are much lower than what I spent on fuel, and maintenance is simpler. The initial cost was higher, but the savings are worth it."
Reduce air pollution
The conference highlighted the socio-economic benefits of e-mobility, noting that the shift to EVs could significantly reduce urban air pollution and enhance public health in congested cities like Nairobi. Expanding local supply chains and manufacturing offers opportunities for economic diversification. Participants emphasised the need for a just transition that provides training and employment for communities affected by changes in the automotive sector.
The expo showcased various EVs, charging solutions, battery technologies, and smart mobility innovations. Exhibitors ranged from local startups to multinational corporations, reflecting the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of Kenya's e-mobility ecosystem. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange, helping to incubate new ideas tailored to Kenya's unique context.
Kenya's approach aligns with the global shift toward EVs. According to the International Energy Agency's Global EV Outlook 2024, worldwide EV sales increased by approximately 43 per cent in 2020 despite a decline in overall car sales, with projections estimating around 230 million EVs on the roads by 2030 if strong policies continue. In Kenya, EV sales surged by 108 per cent in the 2022-2023 financial year, capturing 8.3 per cent of new vehicle sales, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the Kenya Motor Industry Association.
While falling EV prices are expected to reach parity with internal combustion engine vehicles before 2025 in many global markets, factors such as import costs and local infrastructure may influence the timing of price parity in Kenya. Nonetheless, these trends are accelerating EV adoption worldwide and supporting Kenya's growing EV market.
However, challenges remain. High upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and the need for skilled workforce development are barriers that require coordinated action. Environmental scientists have raised concerns about battery disposal and urge proper recycling facilities for end-of-life batteries to avoid creating new environmental problems.
The government says Kenya's comprehensive strategy, which combines policy support, infrastructure expansion, local manufacturing, and stakeholder engagement, positions it well to overcome these hurdles and lead sustainable transport transformation in Africa.
TRANSPARENCY BOX
This story covers Kenya's electric mobility initiatives following a major industry conference to inform readers about a significant national transition affecting transportation, environment, and economy. While we highlight government and industry perspectives, we've included consumer experiences and environmental concerns for balance. No conflicts of interest or ethical concerns influenced our reporting. Readers should note that EV adoption figures vary between sources and long-term environmental impacts of battery production remain under study. This reporting serves readers interested in sustainable development, local policy implementation, potential investment opportunities in green technology, and practical information about the future of transportation in Kenya.
