The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir, EGH, has officially launched the Kenya electric mobility policy, marking a defining moment in the country’s transition towards a cleaner, more efficient and low-carbon transport system. The policy positions electric mobility as a central pillar of Kenya’s economic resilience, climate action and long-term energy security strategy.
Speaking during the launch ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), CS Chirchir said the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a significant opportunity to reduce Kenya’s annual petroleum import bill, currently estimated at US$5 billion. He noted that the heavy reliance on imported fuel places sustained pressure on foreign exchange reserves, weakens energy security and exposes the economy to global fuel price volatility.
Citing data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Cabinet Secretary observed that petroleum products remained Kenya’s largest single import category in 2023, with fuel imports rising sharply to KShs. 628.4 billion, up from KShs. 348.3 billion in 2021. He said the trend underscores the structural vulnerability of the transport and energy sectors to external shocks.
“This substantial fuel import bill reflects Kenya’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum for transport, industry, power generation and aviation, making fuel one of the most significant components of our total import expenditure,” said CS Chirchir.
During the event, the Cabinet Secretary also unveiled green reflective number plates for 100 per cent electric vehicles registered in Kenya, a move aimed at improving visibility, data tracking and enforcement while reinforcing national recognition of clean mobility adoption.
Representing H.E. the President at the event, CS Chirchir emphasised that the Kenya electric mobility policy was developed through extensive public-private sector collaboration, with the private sector chairing the national taskforce that guided its formulation. He stressed that electric mobility is no longer optional, but a strategic necessity for Kenya’s economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
“As at 2025, Kenya had cumulatively registered 39,324 electric vehicles, up from just 1,378 EVs in 2022, representing an increase of over 2,700 per cent in only three years. The bodaboda category, which plays a critical role in last-mile connectivity, recorded the highest percentage growth,” said CS Chirchir.
Kenya Electric Mobility policy Aided By Rapid Uptake Of Clean Energy
He attributed this rapid uptake to the introduction of affordable electric mobility products, improved access to financing, and targeted vehicle asset financing by financial institutions supporting the e-Mobility industry. According to the Cabinet Secretary, the trend reflects growing market confidence, increasing public acceptance and the commercial viability of electric mobility solutions in Kenya.
To support effective rollout, the Government is developing a National Electric Mobility Strategy to ensure coordinated, structured and results-oriented implementation of the policy across national and county governments.
CS Chirchir further highlighted incentives introduced under the Finance Bill 2025 to accelerate adoption, including the zero-rating of VAT on electric buses, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries, as well as the reduction of excise duty to zero per cent on electric bicycles, electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries.
He disclosed that the Kenya electric mobility policy covers all modes of transport and provides a clear, predictable and enabling framework for the adoption, regulation and expansion of electric mobility in Kenya. The policy seeks to stimulate investment across the e-Mobility value chain, strengthen institutional coordination, promote innovation and encourage meaningful private-sector participation.
“Through this Policy, Kenya aims to decarbonise and modernise the transport sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, enhance energy security, and meet its climate commitments, while unlocking the potential of electric mobility to create green jobs and drive inclusive economic growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said the CS.
He added that leveraging Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources, including geothermal, wind and solar power, would significantly reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while creating new value chains in manufacturing, assembly, servicing and skills development.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industrialisation, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, noted that demand for electric vehicles in Kenya is currently outstripping supply. He said EV technology has matured globally and emphasised the need for increased short-term financing to enable companies to scale up local assembly capacity as the country prepares for long-term domestic manufacturing of EVs and related components.
Dr. Mukhwana also observed that EV charging infrastructure remains heavily concentrated in Nairobi and called for accelerated rollout to other towns and transport corridors to support nationwide adoption.
In his remarks, the German Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Sebastian Groth, said electric mobility is a cornerstone of sustainable development and the global clean-energy transition. He noted that Kenya has strong potential to emerge as a regional leader in e-Mobility and clean energy and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the National e-Mobility Policy.
Kenya Is A Regional Champion In Renewable Energy
Similarly, the European Union Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Ondrej Šimek, described Kenya as a regional champion in renewable energy, with more than 90 per cent of electricity generated from renewable sources. He said the European Union remains committed to supporting sustainable development, green investment and job creation in clean energy and transport sectors.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport developed the Kenya electric mobility policy with technical and financial support from several development partners, including the European Union; the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ; the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the International Finance Corporation; and the University of California, Davis, USA.
Also present at the launch were the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar; Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua; Members of Parliament Hon. Tom Kajwang’ and Hon. Eng. John Chege Kiragu; the Chairperson of the defunct Taskforce, Mr. Daniel Ngumi; and the President of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, Mr. Hezbon Mose, among other distinguished dignitaries.
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