Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has officially launched Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy, marking a landmark step toward a cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready transport system.
The policy provides a comprehensive framework to guide the adoption, regulation, and expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, while strengthening infrastructure, boosting local manufacturing, and ensuring social inclusivity.
Speaking during the launch, Chirchir said the policy positions electric mobility not just as an environmental measure, but as a strategic tool for economic growth and energy security.
“Climate change for us is really about energy security. It is about growing our economy by harnessing our own natural resources in wind, solar and so on. Every electric vehicle that replaces a petrol unit reduces demand for imported fuel, strengthens our balance of trade, and keeps more money circulating in the local economy instead of leaving the country at the pump,” he stated.
As part of the rollout, the Ministry of Transport introduced green reflective number plates for all electric vehicles, with buses and other vehicles already assigned registration numbers such as KDW 329S for buses and KMGV 980T.
Chirchir emphasized that the new plates, effective immediately, signal Kenya’s commitment to environmentally friendly transport.
“I urge motorists to embrace electric vehicles, citing their lower running costs and environmental benefits. Conventional fuel-powered vehicles will retain their current number plates as we target fewer fossil-fuel vehicles by 2030,” he said.
The policy addresses seven core objectives, including establishing institutional frameworks and transition targets for different EV categories, strengthening legal and regulatory standards, promoting local manufacturing and assembly, and prioritizing infrastructure and grid readiness.
“We must build a reliable charging network at homes, workplaces, public spaces, and along corridors. The transition will only be sustainable if Kenya has enough trained technicians, engineers, inspectors, and emergency response capacity,” Chirchir noted.
Chirchir also highlighted fiscal incentives introduced through the Finance Bill 2025, such as zero-rated VAT on electric buses, bicycles, motorcycles, and lithium-ion batteries, alongside reduced excise duties to accelerate adoption.
The policy further promotes inclusivity, gender equality, and financial access across the EV ecosystem, ensuring ordinary Kenyans and small business operators benefit from the transition.
“Through partnership, innovation, and shared vision, we can transform our transport sector into a powerful engine of green growth, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship,” Chirchir said.
The launch signals Kenya’s accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy security, and build a sustainable transport industry that supports both economic and environmental objectives.
