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 modernise the transport sector, support climate action, and unlock industrial and job opportunities.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, President William Ruto said electric mobility is central to Kenya’s economic and environmental future.
“Climate change is about energy security and growing our economy by harnessing our own natural resources – wind, geothermal and solar – instead of exporting our hard-earned dollars to import fuel,” President Ruto said.
He noted that Kenya spends more than $5 billion (Sh628 billion) annually on petroleum imports, straining foreign exchange reserves and exposing the economy to global fuel price volatility.
“Our transport sector consumes approximately 72 per cent of all petroleum products imported into the country, making it a major driver of Kenya’s import bill,” he said.
Rising transport emissions also threaten climate resilience. The sector accounted for 13 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions in 2015, projected to rise to 17 per cent by 2030 without corrective action. Between 2009 and 2019, domestic transport emissions rose by 59 per cent, largely due to road transport.
“Electric mobility is not merely an option; it is a strategic necessity for climate mitigation, industrial development, job creation and sustainable economic growth,” President Ruto said.
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 per cent by 2030.
The President said the lack of a comprehensive policy had previously slowed investment, innovation, local manufacturing and industry growth.
“This gap has limited investment, slowed innovation, hindered local assembly and reduced opportunities for job creation. This policy addresses that constraint,” he said.
Kenya has recorded rapid EV adoption, 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 enterprise,” he said.
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.
“A local electric mobility industry can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in manufacturing, assembly, servicing, charging operations, software development and after-sales support,” he said.
Kenya’s strong renewable energy capacity, with about 93 per cent of electricity from geothermal, wind, solar and hydropower, positions the country to support EVs efficiently.
“Electric mobility allows us to shift transport energy from imported fossil fuels to domestically produced renewable electricity, strengthening energy security and lowering the cost of doing business,” President Ruto said.
The policy includes measures to expand charging infrastructure at homes, workplaces, public spaces and along key corridors while strengthening grid readiness to meet rising demand.
Speaking during a press briefing after the launch, CS Chirchir said future government fleet procurement would prioritise electric vehicles.
“Any new vehicles coming into government fleets will, subject to functionality, be electric vehicles,” he said, adding that functional existing vehicles would not be retired prematurely.
“Electric mobility is not a fashion. It is about Kenya’s economy, energy security and reducing our carbon footprint,” he added.
Chirchir also announced that newly registered EVs would receive green number plates, with current EV owners transitioning gradually.
“Going forward, every electric vehicle will receive a green number plate. Existing EV owners can replace their plates progressively at a cost of about Sh3,000,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar said demand for electric vehicles is outpacing supply, particularly for locally assembled units.
“The demand is bigger than supply. Some assemblers have orders that could take years to fulfil at current production capacity,” he said.
Daghar called for expanded financing to support vehicle imports, assembly scaling, consumer financing and nationwide rollout of charging infrastructure.
“Charging infrastructure must expand to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret if this technology is to scale nationally,” he said.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Daud Mohamed said Kenya’s EV push supports the global transition from fossil fuels.
“Our country does not have fossil fuels, yet we spend hundreds of billions importing them. We must tap our God-given renewable energy to strengthen our economy and protect our health,” he said.
He warned that Kenya must avoid becoming a dumping ground for ageing combustion-engine vehicles.
“Green mobility is the future not only for climate reasons but also for economic resilience, public health and industrial competitiveness,” he said.
Private sector representatives welcomed the policy. Electric Mobility Association of Kenya President Hezbon Mose said it provides regulatory clarity and lays a foundation for technical and financial growth of the sector.
“The launch of this policy is the starting point for legalising, formalising and accelerating electric mobility in Kenya,” he said.
Mose noted that existing tax incentives for motorcycles, buses and batteries have made EVs more affordable but urged for an extension to passenger and commercial vehicles.
“Expanding fiscal incentives to four-wheel electric vehicles would make ownership more affordable and accelerate adoption,” he said.
President Ruto said electric mobility must benefit ordinary Kenyans, including boda boda riders, small traders, young entrepreneurs and residents of informal settlements.
“Electric mobility must not remain a premium solution. It must work for everyday Kenyans and those who move our economy daily,” he said.
The policy also includes measures for gender inclusion, workforce training, SME participation and access to finance.
The government is developing a national EV strategy, an e-mobility bill, charging infrastructure guidelines, a digital monitoring platform, and training programmes to support implementation.
Kenya also plans to work with neighbouring countries to harmonise EV standards and facilitate cross-border transport.
“If we implement this policy effectively, Kenya will not only adopt electric mobility; we will build an industry, create jobs, strengthen our currency and deliver cleaner air and better livelihoods,” President Ruto said.
By Naif Rashid
