Kenya Power, the country’s leading electricity distributor, has announced a significant investment of 1.93 million U.S. dollars over the next three years to drive the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Kenya. This investment aims to support the development of electric mobility infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation solutions across the nation.
Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power, revealed that the investment will cover various aspects, including the purchase of electric cars and motorcycles to support business activities, as well as the establishment of charging stations at strategic locations throughout the country. Speaking to journalists in the capital city of Nairobi, Siror emphasized the importance of leveraging EV charging stations to collect data that will guide future initiatives in supporting the growing electric mobility industry.
The move follows Kenya’s development of a framework for electric vehicle charging and battery swapping infrastructure in September 2023. This framework was designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs and ensure the establishment of safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable charging services nationwide.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), electric vehicles accounted for 1.62 percent of the total 165,913 vehicles registered in Kenya as of December 2023. With the aim to reach 5 percent EV penetration by 2025, Kenya is taking proactive steps to enhance its electric vehicle infrastructure and create an enabling environment for electric mobility.
“In addition to the additional charging stations that we intend to install in the current financial year, we intend to install 10 additional facilities annually in 2025 and 2026,” said Siror, highlighting Kenya Power’s commitment to expanding the EV charging network.
The EPRA further noted that Kenya’s energy mix is highly conducive to supporting e-mobility, with approximately 85 percent of energy generation sourced from renewable channels. This renewable energy advantage positions Kenya as an ideal environment for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as clean and sustainable power sources can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental conservation.
The investment by Kenya Power signifies a significant step towards reducing the country’s carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner transportation alternatives. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, Kenya aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, improve air quality, and promote energy efficiency in the transportation sector.
Moreover, the establishment of charging stations and the promotion of electric mobility align with Kenya’s broader sustainable development goals, including the promotion of clean energy technologies and the reduction of dependency on fossil fuels. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement and other international climate accords, Kenya is committed to enhancing its resilience to climate change and promoting sustainable development practices.
The adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya also presents economic opportunities, including job creation in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors, as well as the growth of local industries involved in EV manufacturing, maintenance, and support services. Additionally, the reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels for transportation can enhance energy security and contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy.
Kenya’s investment in electric vehicle infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to embrace clean and sustainable transportation solutions. By expanding the EV charging network and promoting electric mobility, Kenya is paving the way for a greener, more resilient future while positioning itself as a leader in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
