Written By: Faith Jemosop
Kenya Power, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya and the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, led a 77 kilometre electric vehicle (EV) parade across Nairobi and its outskirts, signaling a robust push to accelerate electric mobility adoption in the country.
This public spectacle drew in hundreds of EV operators and stakeholders, and served as a prelude to Kenya Power’s third electric mobility conference, scheduled for May 5–6, 2025. The event is part of the national utility’s broader strategy to build the infrastructure necessary to support the rapidly growing EV market in Kenya.
A Parade to Spark a Revolution
The EV parade featured over 200 electric vehicles, including two wheelers, three wheelers, and four wheelers. The convoy traversed various parts of Nairobi, drawing public attention and raising awareness about Kenya’s transition toward cleaner transportation. This comes amid an upward trend in EV adoption, as Kenyans increasingly recognize the economic and environmental benefits of electric transport.
The parade was not merely symbolic. It was a calculated initiative aimed at showcasing the viability of electric vehicles and dispelling public skepticism about their reliability, range, and cost-effectiveness.
Kenya Power’s Commitment to the Transition
Kenya Power’s leadership emphasized the company’s pivotal role in driving the EV revolution forward. The utility giant assured current and potential EV users of its full support in deploying the infrastructure needed, particularly charging stations along key transport routes.
“Whereas there can be a lot of commitment and those really who want to make this transition, the biggest concern normally would be, ‘If I do make this transition, how am I going to function?’” said a Kenya Power representative. “I want to assure each and every Kenyan that Kenya Power is there as your strongest partner. Just tell us which routes you want to pick, and we’ll be very quick in supporting you to realize that particular dream.”
This pledge underscores the company’s strategy to not only generate awareness but also to eliminate one of the major barriers to EV adoption: the availability of a reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
Fast-Rising EV Numbers and Optimistic Forecasts
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), as of December 2024, Kenya had registered 5,294 electric vehicles across the board. These include motorcycles, three-wheelers commonly used in urban transport (tuk-tuks), and passenger cars.
Sector players are optimistic about the country’s EV trajectory. Projections indicate that this number could surge to over 70,000 units within the next five years, signaling a potential revolution in how Kenyans commute and transport goods.
A major catalyst for this growth was the 2023 Finance Act, which introduced several fiscal incentives, including VAT zero-rating for EV imports. The impact was immediate and profound, with a reported 500% increase in new EV registrations following the enactment of the law.
International Support from Germany’s GIZ
The German government, through its main development agency GIZ, has thrown its weight behind Kenya’s e-mobility ambitions. GIZ is offering technical and financial support, playing a crucial role in building capacity for EV operation and maintenance.
“We’re building a lot of capacity, which is important to run electric vehicles and also to maintain them,” said a GIZ representative. “This is where we come in to work in partnership with the Kenyan government.”
This support extends beyond training and into innovation, as the agency collaborates with local institutions to improve battery life, promote local assembly, and explore off-grid charging solutions powered by renewable energy.
Government Powers Transport with Clean Energy
Kenya’s government has been a vocal advocate for electric mobility, citing the country’s vast renewable energy reserves especially from geothermal, wind, and solar sources as a key enabler for the transition.
“There’s no reason why Kenya should continue to use hard currency to import fossil fuels when we can power our vehicles using clean, locally produced green energy,” said a government official during the parade.
This policy direction aligns with global trends that favor electric mobility as a climate-smart alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles. It also highlights the government’s strategy to cut foreign fuel dependency and lower transport sector emissions, which are a major contributor to urban pollution and greenhouse gases.
Also read: Why South Africa Faces Persistent Power Outages Despite Leading in Energy Production
While the optimism is high, experts warn that Kenya’s EV transition must overcome several challenges. These include:
- Charging infrastructure: Although Kenya Power is taking the lead, charging stations remain scarce in most parts of the country, especially outside major urban centers.
- Grid reliability: While Kenya boasts a relatively clean energy mix, power outages and grid limitations in certain regions could impede the seamless operation of EVs.
- Affordability: Despite fiscal incentives, the upfront cost of EVs remains higher than that of conventional vehicles, potentially slowing down adoption among middle- and lower-income earners.
- Public awareness and trust: Many Kenyans are still skeptical about battery life, range anxiety, and the availability of spare parts and repair services..
Private Sector Mobilization
Private companies are also beginning to align with the e-mobility agenda. From local start ups assembling electric motorcycles to fleet operators experimenting with EV buses, the industry is beginning to take shape. This ecosystem of innovation is critical for localization, cost reduction, and job creation.
Several private players have also committed to installing fast charging stations at malls, gas stations, and key highways, supporting Kenya Power’s wider infrastructure rollout.
The Road Ahead
With strong backing from government, development partners, and the private sector, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in electric mobility. The success of this transition, however, will depend on how effectively stakeholders collaborate to create a supportive ecosystem, one that combines policy, infrastructure, financing, and consumer education.
Also read: Nigeria Slashes Electricity Subsidies by 35% Following Tariff Hike
As Kenya Power prepares to host its third electric mobility conference, expectations are high that even more ambitious plans and partnerships will be unveiled.
If current trends continue, Kenya may soon find itself leading Sub-Saharan Africa in sustainable transport, proving that with the right investment and vision, the electric future is not only possible but inevitable.
