Kenya Reasserts Drive Toward Electric Mobility Expansion at Africa EV Mobility Show
The government has been encouraging EV firms to start assembling the vehicles locally and gradually increase the usage of Kenyan-made parts.
File image of electric buses in the Nairobi CBD. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenya re-echoed its commitments to accelerate its transition from fossil-fuel transport to electric mobility, restating this long-term strategy at the just-ended Africa EV Mobility Show Kenya 2025 in Nairobi. The event was a major convergence of electric mobility innovators and policymakers where the government identified its progress and future plans in the fast-emerging EV sector.
On behalf of Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, the Assistant Director of the State Department of Energy, Erick Apunda said Kenya is poised to play the leading role within the East African region and across the continent in embracing electric vehicles. He said that the country’s roadmap remains firmly aligned with its target in installing 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by the year 2030 and that this infrastructure will be the necessary backbone for a functional electric mobility ecosystem.
Apunda further clarified that the proposed Kenya Electric Mobility Policy, currently before Parliament for review, has several tax adjustments that are intended to lower the high price of EVs. A reduction in import and purchase taxes, he added, should make electric vehicles more affordable for ordinary Kenyans and increase their adoption.
Independent energy and transport expert Eng. Michael Muchiri echoed the same sentiments, citing the price difference between electric and fuel-powered vehicles as one of the major drawbacks. He explained that electric cars are mostly two to three times more expensive than their petrol or diesel cousins, mainly because of the prevailing tax structures. Muchiri said such taxation would need to see significant alterations if Kenya were serious about persuading more motorists onto greener alternatives.
“The Kenya Electric Mobility Policy contains several strong recommendations, especially on taxation. The reduction of these taxes will be key to enabling buyers to comfortably transition from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric ones,” Muchiri said, noting that affordability is still the biggest barrier for consumers.
This year’s expo was held at The Edge Convention Centre, with more than 100 exhibitors participating from East Africa and around the world. Organized by MIE Events DMCC in association with Global Exhibitions Inc, with support from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, together with the State Department for Transport, the event was a platform for EV technologies, charging solutions, and sustainable mobility innovations.
Industry experts present at the forum explained that local assembly using CKD kits was a realistic way of bringing down the cost of electric vehicles. The government has been encouraging EV firms to start assembling the vehicles locally and gradually increase the usage of Kenyan-made parts. This, they said, was in line with the country’s ambitions to spur manufacturing and employment and further cut reliance on imported automobiles.
Speakers also mentioned the incentives offered by the National Treasury, like a 50% tax waiver for those firms that can produce at least 30% of their EVs locally. The measures are expected to spur investment in the green transport industry and cement Kenya’s position as a key player in the renewable energy-driven mobility shift. With over 90 percent of its power grid already supported by renewable energy, and intentional policies to attract clean-tech investors, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional frontrunner in the transition to electric mobility.
About Author
