The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is urging motorists and transport operators to embrace e-mobility as part of Kenya’s strategy to reduce pollution and cut reliance on fossil fuels. During the launch of an electric Tuk-Tuk in Nairobi, NTSA’s Head of Road Safety, Samuel Musumba, described the innovation as both timely and transformative, noting that the shift to electric transport aligns with Kenya’s broader climate and development goals.
Electric Tuk-Tuks as Game-Changers
Electric Tuk-Tuks are emerging as an accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly solution to Kenya’s transport challenges. Beyond their role in reducing carbon emissions, they have the potential to transform access to services in underserved areas. Musumba highlighted the new electric Tuk-Tuk ambulance as a “game-changer,” particularly for informal settlements where road infrastructure is poor and traditional ambulances cannot easily navigate. By reaching such communities, these vehicles can directly contribute to saving lives.
Traditional petrol-driven Tuk-Tuks require constant maintenance, oil changes, brake replacements, and frequent mechanical servicing. By contrast, electric Tuk-Tuks cut down these recurring costs while offering integration with solar charging systems. This means they can be powered even in off-grid areas, a critical advantage in rural Kenya.
Economic and Social Benefits
Electric Tuk-Tuks are not just about clean energy, they also create opportunities for economic growth and youth employment. Operating costs are significantly lower compared to gasoline models, with charging expenses amounting to less than half of what drivers typically spend on fuel. For many drivers, this translates into higher daily earnings and reduced financial pressure.
Pilot projects along the Kenyan coast have demonstrated that drivers using electric Tuk-Tuks can increase their daily net income by nearly 50%. This is because the vehicles require minimal servicing, enjoy longer operating lifespans, and rely on Kenya’s renewable-rich electricity grid. With over 90% of the country’s power generated from geothermal, hydro, and wind sources, e-mobility fits naturally into the country’s renewable energy strategy.
E-Mobility Momentum in Kenya
Kenya is experiencing rapid growth in e-mobility adoption. Registered electric vehicles grew from just 65 in 2018 to more than 4,000 by 2023, a surge fueled by tax incentives, reduced excise duties, and exemptions on value-added tax. Electric motorcycles, in particular, have become increasingly popular, rising from only 28 units in 2020 to over 2,500 in 2023. They now account for more than 3% of new motorcycle registrations nationwide.
Electric buses are also making their way into Kenyan roads. Local companies like BasiGo are assembling buses within the country and introducing pay-as-you-drive leasing models for matatu operators. This not only reduces upfront costs but also ensures that charging infrastructure, powered by renewables, is built alongside the vehicles.
Also read: Eskom vs Independent Power Producers Who Holds South Africa’s Energy Future?
Despite the momentum, several challenges remain.
- Charging infrastructure is still limited and fragmented, particularly outside Nairobi and Mombasa.
- High import duties on electric vehicle components make scaling up costly.
- Public awareness about e-mobility remains relatively low, and technical expertise for maintenance is still developing.
However, the opportunities outweigh the challenges. With targeted policy support, infrastructure expansion, and private-sector partnerships, Kenya can accelerate its e-mobility journey. Electric Tuk-Tuks, particularly ambulances and transport models for informal settlements, highlight how sustainable transport can also deliver direct social impact.
