The number of electric vehicles in Kenya has surged by 1,000% over the past two years, reflecting the country’s rapid shift toward more environmentally friendly transportation.
By the end of last year, Kenya had registered 7,794 electric vehicles, compared to just 796 conventional cars in 2022. This sharp rise in popularity is attributed to lower operating costs and the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, which help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change.
According to Bloomberg News, government incentives introduced in the 2023 Tax Act—such as exempting electric vehicles and their batteries from value-added tax—have played a significant role in boosting EV sales.
At the same time, the Kenyan government is considering new incentives for companies that produce at least 150 electric vehicles to encourage local manufacturing.
By 2025, electric vehicles are expected to account for 5% of the country’s total vehicle fleet. Notably, electric motorcycles make up the largest share of EVs in Kenya.
Additionally, some companies and startups are widely deploying eco-friendly buses for public transportation. As a result, the country’s electricity consumption is rising, positively impacting Kenya Power, the national electricity provider.
Source: Bloomberg
