Kenya: Kenya has launched its National Electric Mobility Policy, setting a framework to accelerate the transition to electric transport, reduce reliance on imported petroleum, strengthen energy security, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The policy was unveiled at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), aiming to modernize the transport sector, support climate action, and unlock industrial and job opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, President William Ruto highlighted that electric mobility is central to Kenya’s economic and environmental future. President Ruto emphasized that climate change is linked to energy security and economic growth by utilizing Kenya’s natural resources such as wind, geothermal, and solar power, instead of depending on imported fuel. He noted that Kenya spends over $5 billion annually on petroleum imports, which strains foreign exchange reserves and exposes the economy to global fuel price volatility.
The transport sector in Kenya consumes about 72 percent of all petroleum products imported into the country, significantly contributing to Kenya’s import bill. Rising transport emissions also pose a threat to climate resilience, with the sector accounting for 13 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions in 2015, projected to rise to 17 percent by 2030 without corrective action. Between 2009 and 2019, domestic transport emissions increased by 59 percent, largely due to road transport.
President Ruto asserted that electric mobility is a strategic necessity for climate mitigation, industrial development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. The policy aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Vision 2030, and commitments under the Paris Agreement, including a pledge to cut emissions by 32 percent by 2030. The President noted that the absence of a comprehensive policy had previously slowed investment, innovation, local manufacturing, and industry growth.
Kenya has witnessed rapid adoption of electric vehicles, with 24,754 electric vehicles registered in 2025, up from 796 in 2022. The growth has been driven largely by electric motorcycles and two- and three-wheelers, which play a key role in last-mile transport and small-scale enterprises. The policy establishes a framework to support local manufacturing, battery and auto-component supply chains, charging infrastructure expansion, workforce training, fiscal incentives, and inclusive participation.
Kenya’s strong renewable energy capacity, with about 93 percent of electricity from geothermal, wind, solar, and hydropower, positions the country to support electric vehicles efficiently. President Ruto mentioned that electric mobility allows for a shift in transport energy from imported fossil fuels to domestically produced renewable electricity, thereby strengthening energy security and lowering business costs.
The policy outlines measures to expand charging infrastructure at homes, workplaces, public spaces, and along key corridors, while strengthening grid readiness to meet rising demand. During a press briefing after the launch, Cabinet Secretary Chirchir stated that future government fleet procurement would prioritize electric vehicles, emphasizing that electric mobility is crucial for Kenya’s economy, energy security, and carbon footprint reduction.
Chirchir also announced that newly registered electric vehicles would receive green number plates, with current electric vehicle owners transitioning gradually. Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar highlighted that demand for electric vehicles is outpacing supply, particularly for locally assembled units. Daghar called for expanded financing to support vehicle imports, assembly scaling, consumer financing, and nationwide rollout of charging infrastructure.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Daud Mohamed noted that Kenya’s push for electric vehicles supports the global transition from fossil fuels. He stressed the importance of tapping into Kenya’s renewable energy to bolster the economy and protect public health, while avoiding the country becoming a dumping ground for ageing combustion-engine vehicles.
Private sector representatives, such as Electric Mobility Association of Kenya President Hezbon Mose, welcomed the policy, stating that it provides regulatory clarity and lays the foundation for the sector’s technical and financial growth. Mose called for an extension of existing tax incentives to include passenger and commercial vehicles to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable and accelerate adoption.
President Ruto emphasized that electric mobility must benefit ordinary Kenyans, including boda boda riders, small traders, young entrepreneurs, and residents of informal settlements. The policy includes measures for gender inclusion, workforce training, SME participation, and access to finance. The government is developing a national electric vehicle strategy, an e-mobility bill, charging infrastructure guidelines, a digital monitoring platform, and training programs to support implementation. Kenya also plans to collaborate with neighboring countries to harmonize electric vehicle standards and facilitate cross-border transport.
