Kenya’s ambitious drive towards decarbonizing its transportation sector has gained significant momentum, with a notable surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation, according to the latest report released by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Monday.

The regulatory authority disclosed that between July and December 2023, a remarkable 2,694 new EVs were registered in Kenya, pushing the total count to 3,753. This surge underscores the country’s determined efforts to embrace sustainable mobility solutions.

"The increase in registered EVs is attributed to government initiatives such as the introduction of the e-mobility tariff, reduction of excise duty on EVs from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and exemption of fully electric cars from value-added tax," EPRA stated in its report.

Kenya’s strategic move towards facilitating EV adoption also saw the implementation of a framework for electric vehicle charging and battery swapping infrastructure in September 2023.

This framework aims to accelerate the deployment of EVs while ensuring the establishment of safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable charging services.

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Despite the significant progress, EVs accounted for only 1.62 per cent of the 165,913 vehicles registered in Kenya in 2023.

However, the EPRA remains optimistic, setting a target of achieving a 5 per cent EV penetration rate by 2025.

During the reviewed period, energy consumption by the electric mobility consumer category witnessed a remarkable surge of 160 per cent, escalating from 29,097 kWh in July 2023 to 75,729 kWh in December 2023.

The EPRA attributed this increase to both the rise in the registered number of EVs and the introduction of a special tariff for e-mobility.

Kenya’s favourable energy mix, with nearly 85 per cent of energy generation sourced from renewable channels, provides a conducive environment for supporting e-mobility, noted the EPRA.

This renewable energy landscape aligns seamlessly with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

As Kenya continues its journey towards a greener, more sustainable transportation ecosystem, the rise in EV adoption signals a promising shift towards a low-carbon future.

With supportive government policies and a conducive energy framework, the prospects for further EV penetration appear bright in the country.