Kenya has taken a significant step towards transforming its transport sector with the official launch of the National Electric Mobility Policy, a move aimed at promoting cleaner, more efficient and low carbon transport across the country.
The policy was launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr Davis Chirchir, at a ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. It provides a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to guide the adoption, regulation and expansion of electric mobility across all modes of transport in Kenya.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chirchir said the shift to electric vehicles is expected to significantly reduce Kenya’s petroleum import bill, which currently stands at an estimated US dollars five billion annually. According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, petroleum products were the largest single import category in 2023, with fuel imports rising to KShs 628.4 billion, up from KShs 348.3 billion in 2021.
“This substantial fuel import bill reflects Kenya’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum for transport, industry, power generation and aviation, making fuel one of the most significant components of our total import expenditure,” the Cabinet Secretary said, adding that electric mobility is now a strategic necessity for economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
As part of the launch, the Government also unveiled green reflective number plates for fully electric vehicles registered in Kenya. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the policy was developed through strong public private sector collaboration, with the private sector chairing the taskforce that oversaw its formulation.
Kenya’s electric vehicle market has recorded rapid growth in recent years. As at 2025, the country had cumulatively registered 39,324 electric vehicles, up from 1,378 in 2022, representing an increase of more than 2,700 per cent in three years. The boda boda category recorded the highest growth, driven by the introduction of more affordable electric mobility products and targeted financing by financial institutions.
To support implementation, the Government is developing a National Electric Mobility Strategy to ensure coordinated and structured execution of the policy. Additional incentives introduced through the Finance Bill 2025 include zero rating of value added tax on electric buses, bicycles, motorcycles and lithium ion batteries, as well as a reduction of excise duty to zero per cent on electric bicycles, motorcycles and lithium ion batteries.
Development partners welcomed the policy, citing its potential to unlock investment, create jobs and strengthen local manufacturing. The International Finance Corporation, which supported the Government in developing the legal and regulatory framework, said the policy positions Kenya as a future leader in electric mobility on the continent.
“Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy marks a bold step toward a cleaner, more competitive future for the country. IFC is proud to have partnered with the Government of Kenya to support the legal and regulatory framework for this transformation,” said Mary Porter Peschka, Division Director for Eastern Africa at the International Finance Corporation. “Electric mobility will create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on costly fuel imports. For drivers, this policy will mean lower operating costs for vehicles and better access to charging stations. IFC looks forward to helping Kenya attract the investment it needs to build its e mobility infrastructure and help the country become an African leader in the sector.”
The policy aligns with Kenya’s broader climate and development goals, including decarbonising the transport sector, improving air quality, enhancing energy security and creating green jobs. It also leverages the country’s strong renewable energy base, with more than 90 per cent of electricity generated from renewable sources, to support sustainable transport growth.
The National Electric Mobility Policy was developed with technical and financial support from several partners, including the European Union, Germany through GIZ, the United Kingdom, the International Finance Corporation and the University of California, Davis.
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