Written By: By Jemosop Faith, Faith specializes in energy, climate, and renewables, transforming complex policy discussions into accessible, everyday conversations, she is a writer at Africa Digest News backed by 2+ years of focused experience.
Nairobi is set to showcase the future of transportation on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with a highly anticipated Electric Vehicles (EVs) Parade through the city’s major streets. The event will precede the 3rd Annual E-Mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo, highlighting the nation’s growing commitment to clean, quiet, and efficient mobility solutions.
The parade, which will feature a wide range of electric vehicles from motorcycles and tuk-tuks to buses and sedans is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including government officials, environmental advocates, tech innovators, and members of the public.
It aims to promote awareness of electric mobility, celebrate recent innovations, and push forward conversations on sustainable transportation.
The upcoming EVs Parade comes at a time when Kenya is stepping up its efforts to combat air pollution, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and address climate change through innovative transport solutions.
The country’s electricity grid is primarily powered by renewable sources, including geothermal and hydroelectric energy, making it particularly well-positioned to lead in e-mobility adoption in Africa.
The event sets the stage for the Annual E-Mobility Conference, where policymakers, investors, automakers, and industry stakeholders will meet to explore opportunities, challenges, and the future of electric mobility in Kenya and beyond.
Advocates for electric mobility point to several potential benefits for the country:
- Reduced Emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, a critical step toward improving urban air quality and combating climate-related health issues. Nairobi, like many African cities, struggles with rising pollution levels due to increased traffic and outdated vehicles.
- Lower Operating Costs: EVs are more energy-efficient and typically cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel vehicles. For instance, swapping batteries for electric motorcycles costs approximately KSh200 (about $1.48), covering over 90 kilometers, whereas the same distance on petrol may cost double.
- Support from Renewable Energy: Kenya’s strong renewable energy infrastructure gives it a competitive edge. EVs powered by clean electricity offer an end-to-end green transport solution, which is not the case in many countries still reliant on coal or gas-powered grids.
- Decreased Maintenance Costs: With fewer moving parts, EVs are generally easier and less expensive to maintain over time compared to internal combustion vehicles.
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Despite the optimism, stakeholders acknowledge several persistent barriers that could slow the adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya:
- Limited Charging Infrastructure: EV owners still struggle with access to public charging stations, particularly outside Nairobi. Most drivers rely on home-based charging, which limits mobility and long-distance travel.
- High Purchase Costs: The upfront cost of EVs remains out of reach for many Kenyans. Imported models like the Hyundai Kona Electric cost over KSh5 million, putting them far beyond the average consumer’s budget.
- Unreliable Electricity Supply: Frequent blackouts and unstable voltage in some parts of the country pose a risk to consistent and safe EV usage. Reliable electricity is essential for dependable charging and overall user confidence.
- Technical Knowledge Gap: Most mechanics and service centers are trained in petrol and diesel engines. The lack of EV-specific technical skills may discourage adoption among consumers who fear costly or delayed repairs.
- Battery Degradation and Climate: Kenya’s hot climate can contribute to faster battery wear and tear. Additionally, replacing EV batteries remains expensive, further adding to long-term ownership costs.
In response to these challenges, both government and private stakeholders are ramping up efforts to create a favorable environment for electric mobility:
- Incentives and Tax Relief: The Kenyan government has already reduced excise duty on electric vehicles from 20% to 10%, with additional policy reviews in progress to ease importation and registration costs.
- Investment in Charging Infrastructure: Local startups like Ampersand and Ecobodaa are building battery-swapping and charging stations for electric motorcycles, especially targeting high-traffic urban routes.
- Training Programs: NGOs and training institutes are partnering with global e-mobility leaders to offer courses and workshops on EV maintenance, battery recycling, and green automotive innovation.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: With growing visibility in media and events like the upcoming parade, public opinion is gradually shifting in favor of cleaner mobility options.
