Kenya’s policy on e-mobility is expected to be ready early next year to pave the way for mass acquisition of electric units in the country, as the country builds on improving environmentally friendly policies.
- The Ministry of Transport has said that experts are finalising the draft e-mobility policy before presenting it to the National Assembly after clearance by both the Attorney General and the National Treasury.
- The draft policy includes measures to the Draft Policy includes measures to enhance gender equality and social inclusion in the e-mobility ecosystem, aiming to incentivize women, youth, and people with disabilities to participate in e-mobility-related economic activities.
- Delegates at the Africa E-mobility Week in Nairobi also noted that lack of collaboration is still holding the continent behind despite the abundant natural resources and technology needed to actualize e-mobility.
The policy also addresses the issue of peak and off-pick demand in Kenya, suggesting that e-mobility could help bridge the gap by charging EVs at night. The policy estimates that the daily curtailed energy could power about 7,000 electric buses or over 200,000 electric motorcycles.
“We currently estimate that there are 5000 electric units of all types in the country, the figure is likely to significantly grow to our 2030 targets once the policy is adopted,” Eng Michael Muchiri, Ministry of Transport, said.
Despite incentives towards the adoption of e-mobility in the country, Kenya faces challenges around energy infrastructure which is still a problem in some regions of the country. Ministry of Energy said it has plans to promote off grid energy solutions in the cut-out areas (Northern and the North Eastern parts of the country).
“We have 14 counties that do not have adequate connections, we are developing 140 Mini grids in these areas, they will be getting off grid electricity by the year 2026. We have evaluated the bids for the contractors going on the ground and very soon they will be hitting the ground to provide Mini grids,” Stephen Nzioka, Director Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, said during the conference.
The event presents a platform for celebrating advancements, fostering collaboration, and shaping a zero-emission transportation future for Africa.
