The government has unveiled an institutional framework to oversee the implementation of the National Electric Mobility Policy during a consultative meeting that brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, and the private sector.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir noted that the framework will strengthen coordination among implementing agencies and guide the rollout of the e-mobility policy, approved by Cabinet earlier this year.
Speaking at a high-level consultative forum in Nairobi, CS Chirchir explained that the framework establishes a structured mechanism to harmonise policy implementation and promote collaboration between the national government, counties, and development partners.
“The approval of the National Electric Mobility Policy by Cabinet earlier this year marks a defining milestone in Kenya’s transition towards clean, modern, and sustainable transport systems,” he stated.
He highlighted that the institutional framework provides a clear coordination structure comprising a National Steering Committee, an Implementation Committee, and Technical Working Groups to ensure effective and transparent policy execution.
“This structure will ensure coherence, synergy, and accountability as we move towards an energy-efficient and climate-resilient transport system,” he added.
CS Chirchir noted that the e-mobility policy aligns with Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and Kenya’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. He said electric mobility presents opportunities to cut fuel import costs, reduce emissions, and stimulate new industries.
“Electric mobility offers a sustainable pathway for Kenya’s growth, reducing dependency on imported fuels, creating jobs, and supporting green industrialisation,” he emphasised.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborate with partners, including the World Bank, UNEP, and GIZ to facilitate the transition to cleaner transport systems.
“We are determined to make Kenya a leader in the adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles in Africa,” he charged.
Similarly, CS Chirchir commended technical and policy teams for their dedication and affirmed the government’s commitment to full policy implementation.
“This policy marks the final milestone in Kenya’s journey toward a clean and efficient transport system. We must now turn the vision into reality through coordinated action across ministries, counties, and partners,” he urged.
Director of Road Transport Paul King’ori observed that the policy envisions an integrated and equitable transport system powered by electric mobility.
He outlined objectives, including developing a legal and institutional framework, promoting local assembly and innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and creating green jobs.
According to King’ori, the implementation framework establishes a steering committee chaired by key Cabinet Secretaries from Energy, Transport, Industry, Education, and National Treasury, with participation from development partners and the Council of Governors. Technical working groups will focus on areas such as policy and regulation, manufacturing, grid integration, skills development, and fiscal incentives.
The government has introduced fiscal measures to support adoption, including zero-rated import duty on e-bicycles, motorcycles, and lithium-ion batteries, and VAT exemptions for e-buses to make electric mobility more affordable.
Hanna Salian, Programme Director for Energy, Transport and Climate Change at GIZ Kenya, lauded the move as a turning point for Kenya’s clean energy agenda. “The e-mobility policy is a milestone that can drive renewable energy potential while reducing fossil fuel dependency. With geothermal energy being vented across the country, this is an opportunity to power mobility sustainably,” she said.
She noted Kenya’s rapid growth in EV adoption from 3,000 vehicles in 2023 to an estimated 25,000 in 2025, signalling strong market potential.
Paramita Dasgupta, IFC Regional Manager and Country Advisor for East and Southern Africa, emphasised the private sector’s readiness to invest across the e-mobility value chain, from vehicle production to charging infrastructure.
“The private sector is keen to invest but needs a predictable regulatory environment and clarity on incentives. This policy provides the certainty investors have been waiting for,” she stressed.
Binyam Reja, World Bank Regional Practice Manager for Transport in Eastern and Southern Africa, said e-mobility not only delivers environmental benefits but also creates jobs and industrialisation opportunities.
“E-mobility is about creating jobs, building local industries, and reducing the import bill. Kenya can lead Africa in electric bus and two-wheeler manufacturing if the right ecosystem is established,” he advised.
Reja added that subsidising charging infrastructure yields greater adoption impact than vehicle subsidies, revealing that the World Bank is working on financing models to expand Kenya’s charging networks.
By Naif Rashid
