Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau has called for a major shift in Kenya’s transport sector, urging the government to set a clear deadline for moving its fleet to electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower transport expenses and promote cleaner energy use.
Bisau said the government should lead by example by replacing conventional vehicles used by state agencies with electric alternatives, while also reviewing fuel taxes and strengthening investment in public transport systems.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Wednesday, the lawmaker said Kenya must move faster in embracing green energy solutions, especially in the transport sector where fuel remains a major driver of costs.
"Let's get away from fossil fuel because we realise that fuel runs everything. Why don't we also be aggressive and think more of green energy, even for our vehicles? Let's start with the State as an example. All government vehicles, or most government vehicles, should have a cut-off date. Let's say by 2028 or January 2029, all the government vehicles should be electric. Simple."
Bisau said setting such a target would encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles in the private sector while helping the country reduce its dependence on imported fuel.
He also urged the government to create room for private investors to support the development of clean transport infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The MP said Kenya should take advantage of global investors who have funds available for projects that can support the transition to sustainable transport.
"Let's think outside the box. Let's think more on PPPs and try to get those global investors who have got free-floating money, floating funds. Let's show them land and agree on reasonable ways of doing these things."
Bisau said Kenya could learn from countries with well-developed public transport systems, citing his experience in Switzerland where electric buses, trains and trams provide efficient and affordable transport.
He recalled that between 2003 and 2006, he travelled daily between Lausanne and Geneva using public transport, saying the system offered convenience while reducing pollution.
"They've got electric buses. They have trams. Between 2003 and 2006, I travelled 150 kilometres every day between Lausanne and Geneva. I used the train, connected by bus and sometimes walked. It was comfortable. You could read a book on the train, annual tickets were subsidised and the transport system worked efficiently."
The legislator also addressed concerns over Kenya’s high fuel prices compared to neighbouring countries, saying the difference cannot be blamed on one issue alone.
Bisau said although Kenya maintains higher fuel quality standards than some neighbouring countries, the country’s taxation system remains a major contributor to the final price paid by consumers.
He noted that several taxes, levies and charges are added before fuel reaches motorists, increasing the cost at the pump.
On the fuel levy, Bisau defended the charge, describing it as a reliable way of financing road construction and maintenance across the country.
He said collecting the levy through fuel purchases was more effective than relying on toll stations, as it reduced losses linked to handling cash while providing a steady source of funding for infrastructure projects.
Bisau added that better management of infrastructure funds and efforts to address corruption had supported the expansion of roads in different parts of the country.
He said the money collected through the fuel levy had helped improve connectivity by extending tarmac roads to areas that previously lacked reliable all-weather routes, including parts of Kiminini.