Kenya’s transition to e-mobility has been gaining momentum, driven by growing consumer interest, the emergence of local electric mobility startups and the country’s clean energy advantage, with nearly 90% of electricity generated from renewable sources. While demand for EVs continue to rise, there are policies in place that pose challenges that slow this progress.
The government’s Draft National E-Mobility Policy (March 2024), outlines goals for electrifying the transport sector and cutting greenhouse gas emissions which currently stand at 8.6 GHGCO2, up from 5.0 GHGCO2 in 1990. However, regulatory and infrastructural gaps are discouraging private investment, especially from assemblers, charging companies and local innovators who are very eager to play their part.
Three critical policy barriers need to be addressed for Kenya to fully realize its electric mobility potential are:
I. Outdated Rules Stifle Local Innovation and Battery Reuse Kenya’s EV standards are mostly adopted from European and Asian markets, which focus on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles designed for different environments and technologies. These tight frameworks make it difficult for local innovators and assemblers to create solutions that fit Kenya’s market expectations. Local vendors are creatively salvaging cells from imported used EV batteries mostly from the UK and EU, and repackage for electric motorcycles. However, the lack of localized safety and performance standards for repurposed batteries means these products often have shorter lifespans. Updating standards to include battery grading and certification would enhance safety and legitimize this growing sector, making EVs more affordable.
II. High Electricity Costs and Limited Charging Infrastructure The draft policy acknowledges the high cost of electricity for both domestic and commercial charging and the limited number of charging stations across the country. Despite having over 40% unutilized grid capacity, investors face high tariffs and infrastructure costs with no clear subsidy or special EV tariff structure in place. For charging companies, expansion is unfavourable outside major cities, where grid reliability is also a concern. Because of this, most electric vehicles are found in major cities, while people in rural and peri-urban areas, who could gain the most from clean transport, are left out. To change this, the government can work together with private companies that provide charging stations through joint investment plans. It can also introduce fair electricity prices for charging, especially during off-peak hours. By using Kenya’s extra renewable energy, charging can become not only cheaper but also cleaner for everyone.
III. Restrictive Import and Assembly Regulations Even though the policy seeks to promote local assembly and manufacturing, it also introduces tight import restrictions on used EVs and residual battery life without a clear phase-in plan. This makes it hard for people to get affordable electric vehicles, which are very important for encouraging early adoption. It also discourages small local assemblers who are still growing and cannot fully meet the market demands.
In many countries that have moved successfully to electric vehicles, the process started by allowing the import of used EVs and slowly raising the standards as local industries grew. Kenya can follow the same path by giving support to importers who meet the rules and helping local assemblers build their skills and capacity.
A Call for Collaboration Action. Kenya already knows the road to cleaner transport, but moving faster will depend on good policies and teamwork between the government and private sector. With the right support, local standards and affordable charging, Kenya can use its clean energy to lead the region in green transport. Helping local innovators is not only good for the environment but also for the economy. When the government supports and guides such work, it creates space for new entrepreneurs who are helping shape Africa’s clean energy future, one electric motorcycle at a time.
https://transport.go.ke/sites/default/files/Electric_mobility_standards.pdf