Kenya Government Launches National Electric Mobilty Policy

 Kenya has officially launched its National Electric Mobility (e-Mobility) Policy on February 3, 2026. 

The launch event took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, organized by the Ministry of Roads and Transport through the State Department for Transport.

This policy marks a significant step in Kenya's transition to sustainable transportation. 

The transport sector is the country's largest consumer of imported petroleum products (accounting for 72% of use) and a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing 13% of national emissions in 2015 (projected to rise to 17% by 2030). 

The policy aligns with broader national commitments, including:

Reducing GHG emissions by 32% by 2030 under Kenya's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Targets in the National Climate Change Action Plans (2018–2022 and 2023–2027).

The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.

The Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Integrated National Transport Policy.

Key drivers for the policy include reducing emissions, enhancing energy security (leveraging Kenya's clean electricity grid), lowering transport costs, creating jobs, and capitalizing on the rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. 

Electric vehicles  registrations have risen: from minimal levels in 2018 to 1.62% of new registrations in 2023, reaching 24,754 EVs by 2025 (a 171% increase from 2024), with electric motorcycles leading the fastest growth.

The policy provides a comprehensive framework to promote electric mobility across all transport modes (road, rail, air, and maritime). 

It emphasizes incentives, standards, infrastructure development (e.g., charging stations), local manufacturing and assembly of EVs, green financing, and capacity building.

During the launch, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the introduction of green number plates for all electric vehicles to distinguish them and support the transition. 

The event was attended by senior officials, including President William Ruto, and featured celebratory elements like performances.

This follows earlier milestones, such as the Draft National E-Mobility Policy unveiled in March 2024, which laid groundwork through collaboration with partners like GIZ and the Electric Mobility Taskforce (established in 2023). Implementation will involve technical working groups, potential legislation (e.g., an E-Mobility Bill), and continued public-private partnerships.

The launch has been highlighted across official channels and stakeholders as a pivotal move positioning Kenya as a leader in Africa's e-mobility revolution, fostering cleaner cities, economic opportunities, and climate resilience.