Kenya Reaffirms EV Transition Drive at Africa Mobility Expo 2025
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) at the ongoing Africa EV Mobility Expo Kenya 2025, held from December 4 to 6 at The Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi.
Speaking during the Africa EV Mobility Show Kenya 2025 in Nairobi, Energy PS Alex Wachira through Assistant Director Erick Apunda shared Kenya’s big plans for electric mobility.
He said the country is aiming to lead not just in East Africa but across the continent in adopting electric vehicles. Wachira emphasized the government’s commitment to rolling out 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030, a key step toward building a strong and reliable electric vehicle network nationwide.
The government emphasized efforts to fast-track EV adoption through supportive policies, infrastructure development, and encouraging local assembly of EVs with increasing use of Kenyan-made parts.
Kenya’s leadership highlighted the country’s strategic position as a clean energy hub with over 90% renewable energy powering its grid, providing an ideal environment for sustainable electric mobility growth in the region.
The event gathers industry players, policymakers, manufacturers, and investors to showcase innovations and forge partnerships that will drive Africa’s green transport revolution.
He also highlighted that the Kenya Electric Mobility Policy now awaiting approval in Parliament includes several proposed tax reforms designed to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for ordinary Kenyans.
Independent energy expert Eng. Michael Muchiri echoed this, pointing out that EVs still cost two to three times more than traditional fuel-powered cars, mainly because of heavy taxes. He emphasized that lowering these financial barriers is crucial if Kenya wants to see widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
“The Kenya Electric Mobility Policy has recommendations. One of them is on taxation. One of the ways to increase adoption of electric motor vehicles is by reducing the taxes so that a buyer is able to make the transition from a fossil to an electric vehicle without having much argument around the price… Currently, the price of an electric vehicle is two to three times more than a diesel or petrol vehicle,” said Eng. Muchiri.
Kenya’s goal of achieving a 5% EV penetration by 2025 and expanding local manufacturing demonstrates its ambition to lead the continent’s shift towards cleaner transportation.
They also highlighted incentives from the National Treasury, including a 50% tax reduction for companies that manufacture at least 30% of their EV units locally. This, they said, aligns with Kenya’s wider strategy to grow domestic industrial capacity, reduce import dependence and unlock new employment opportunities for young people.
With more than 90% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, a growing manufacturing base and incentives designed to steer investment toward electrification, Kenya is positioning itself as a continental leader in the EV transition.
Kenya Power’s role as an official energy partner at the expo further supports infrastructure readiness for EV integration, signaling strong public and private sector collaboration in advancing the EV ecosystem.