The government has officially launched the National Electric Mobility Policy (NEMP), which is a major milestone for the transition to a cleaner, greener and low-carbon transport system.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who spoke at the launch held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi said that apart from the environmental benefits, the e-mobility policy is also expected to save foreign exchange currently spent on petroleum imports.
Chirchir noted that Kenya presently spends approximately 5 billion US dollars on petroleum imports annually. This expenditure constrains the country’s foreign currency reserves and exposes it to the risks of fluctuating global fuel prices. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in 2023, fuel products were the largest import category, with fuel imports having increased from Sh348. 3 billion in 2021 to Sh628. 4 billion.
“Chirchir explained that the massive fuel importation bill mainly indicates the country’s reliance on petrol for transport, manufacturing, power generation, and aviation use, hence making it one of the largest contributors to the total import bill. ”
Meanwhile, the government, through the event, introduced green reflective number plates that will be issued to fully electric vehicles in Kenya. Chirchir, on behalf of President William Ruto, attended the launch event.
The Cabinet Secretary mentioned that electric mobility has become a strategic option for Kenya’s economic resilience as well as environmental sustainability. He disclosed that the number of electric vehicles registered in the country has gone up drastically from 1, 378 units in 2022 to 39, 324 units in 2025, thus, a growth of over 2, 700 per cent. The boda boda sector registered the highest uptake, which is mainly the result of the launch of affordable electric motorcycles that were financially supported by the institutions offering asset financing.
In order to facilitate implementation, the government is formulating a National Electric Mobility Strategy, which will serve as a structured framework for the execution of the policy.
Chirchir further made reference to a few incentives that were brought in through the Finance Bill 2025 to encourage the adoption of electric mobility. They comprise the zero rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric buses, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries, as well as the removal of excise duty on these same products.
Speaking at the same event, Mary Porter Peschka, Division Director, Eastern Africa, International Finance Corporation noted
“Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy marks a bold step toward a cleaner, more competitive future for the country. IFC is proud to have partnered with the Government of Kenya to support the legal and regulatory framework for this transformation. Electric mobility will create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on costly fuel imports. For drivers, this policy will mean lower operating costs for vehicles and better access to charging stations.
IFC looks forward to helping Kenya attract the investment it needs to build its e-mobility infrastructure and help the country become an African leader in the sector.” said Peschka
The policy embraces all transport modes and is likely to propel investment in the entire electric mobility value chain, enhance institutional coordination, stimulate innovation, and increase private sector engagement.
The government equally intends to decarbonise the transport sector, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance air quality and energy security, create green jobs and support inclusive economic growth through the Bottom-Up approach.