Kenya is emerging as one of Africa’s leaders in the transition to electric mobility, signaling a shift toward cleaner, more efficient transport. With over 70% of the country’s electricity generated from renewable sources, Kenya provides an ideal environment for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Local companies such as BasiGo, Roam (formerly Opibus), and Spiro are spearheading this movement by manufacturing and deploying electric buses and motorbikes across major cities.
Government support has been critical. In 2024, the Ministry of Transport and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) introduced incentives such as reduced import duties on EV components, charging infrastructure investments, and the development of EV charging standards. Nairobi County has already begun piloting electric buses for public transport, demonstrating the feasibility of cleaner mass transit.
The private sector has also stepped in, with firms installing EV charging stations along key highways and in urban centers. However, challenges persist, including the high cost of acquisition, limited public awareness, and inadequate charging infrastructure in rural areas. As Kenya continues to urbanize, sustainable mobility will be crucial in reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and fuel dependency. The adoption of electric mobility is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity for local manufacturing, innovation, and job creation.