Kenya is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. The government announced plans to roll out EV charging infrastructure in all urban areas and along highways, as well as create incentives for the adoption of electric mass transit systems in all cities and towns.
The move comes as interest in EVs continues to grow as countries worldwide look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner forms of transportation. Many automakers and governments have announced plans to phase out diesel and petrol-powered vehicles by 2040, and Kenya is racing to catch up with these efforts.
Transportation, particularly road transportation, is a significant source of carbon emissions in Kenya due to the predominant use of fossil fuels for vehicle propulsion systems. However, the shift to EVs is gaining momentum with the entry of electric motorbikes, tuk-tuks, taxis, and the planned buses for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
To further promote EV adoption, the government will provide financial and tax incentives for public service vehicles and commercial transporters to convert to electric vehicles. Car and General (C&G), a Kenyan company, announced last year that it would start selling EVs and tuk-tuks as part of a plan to diversify into the ‘green’ mobility business and contribute to managing climate change and pollution.
The government also plans to leverage the financial support provided to the bodaboda sector through the Hustler Fund to develop the nascent electric vehicle and motorcycle assembly industry. It is seen as a win-win proposition as it will contribute to Kenya’s emission reduction commitment and provide cheaper transport and build an electric vehicle industry.
Kenya Power, the country’s leading power supplier, has already committed to constructing electric charging systems for homes, businesses, and the public across the country as the shift to clean transport gathers momentum. The government is also intensifying national connectivity through road, rail, port, energy and fibre-optic infrastructure to foster an enabling environment for economic recovery and inclusive growth.
Kenya is taking bold steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles to combat greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. With the government’s efforts to roll out EV charging infrastructure, provide incentives for electric mass transit systems, and financial support for EV adoption, the country is on track to catch up with the rest of the world in the shift to clean mobility.