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‘Kenya registers 600 percent increase in electric vehicle registrations in 2023
Kenya is setting the pace in the adoption of electric vehicles(EVs) realising a 600 percent growth last year as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority ramps up efforts to support the country’s carbon emissions cuts.
“The country has witnessed a steady increase in EV imports, with electric vehicles rising by 1.6percent in 2023 from 0.17 percent.Kenya’s electric vehicle fleet currently comprises over 3,700 registered units, with approximately 90 percent being 2 and 3 wheelers, ”says Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
The local demand surge is indicative of global trends with predictions that at least 1 in 5 vehicles to be sold this year in the world will be electric. To bolster these efforts alongside enabling regulations, the energy regulator has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed Tusonge na EVs to create awareness on safety, affordability and rally the nation towards mass market adoption with the support of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The campaign supports the government’s aspiration to attain a 5 percent market share of all newly imported vehicles being fully electric by 2025. While sales of EVs are increasing globally, there is a high concentration in major markets like the US, China and Europe. Countries like Kenya have introduced incentives to investors and prospective buyers to spur the numbers.
Last year, the Electricity and Petroleum Authority (EPRA), introduced a bulk Sh16 per KWH tariff for electric vehicles charging at designated e-ports, a move aimed at incentivising Kenyans to acquire electric vehicles. The Electric Vehicle Charging And Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines sets out individual pricing regimes for e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-car, e-trucks and e-buses.
An EV market assessment report launched alongside the campaign looks into electric-propelled two and three-wheelers use within Nairobi. It points to a thriving EV start-up ecosystem, where more than 50 start-ups work as assemblers, energy service providers, customer service and support, and infrastructure developers.
EPRA will showcase the benefits of electric mobility, highlight its role in reducing emissions and how it creates economic opportunities. This initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
