Climate Change

Nomvuyo Tena

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has rolled out an electric vehicle (EV) project as part of their plans to lead Kenya’s shift from gasoline to EV.

East Africa’s leading energy producer, KenGen, has rolled out an elaborate plan to lead Kenya’s transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to EV as another way of combating climate change while solving transportation challenges in the country.

Have you read?
A rise in motorcycles new for sub-Saharan Africa 
UK to expedite $4.1B climate funding to Kenya to fast-track clean energy

To launch the project, KenGen unveiled its first four EVs in Nairobi in a move to support its diversification ambitions in the e-mobility sector. The four vehicles, which include two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups, will primarily be used for data collection and policy development as the company prepares to install more than 30 EV charging stations across the country in 2023.

The venture is part of the company’s environmental and economic sustainability plan to reduce global GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions by inspiring confidence for wider EV adoption across the country. The utility will use the cost and environmental data from the four EVs to transition its fleet to EVs, further demonstrating KenGen’s role in elevating its position on attracting investment funds financing green initiatives.

KenGen EV journey to sustainability

Speaking during the launch, KenGen Acting Managing Director and CEO Abraham Serem noted that the pilot EV units would give them a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of e-vehicles transition while also providing insights on initial technology choices for electric charging infrastructure in the country.

“I am glad to announce that in the next one year, we plan to roll out about 30 EV charging stations in major cities across the country. The four acquired EVs we are launching today will give the company first-hand experience and data on electric vehicles,” he said, adding that this is an endeavor they seek to conduct collectively with other stakeholders.

“The development of e-mobility is an area that will require a multi-sectoral approach. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and working together with key partners, we have no doubt that this transition will pick up pace faster than envisaged,” said Serem.

Have you read?
Electric bus uptake in Kenya accelerated thanks to new funding

Creating EV infrastructure blueprint

He added that the rollout will be used to develop a blueprint for the conversion of the company’s fleet from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to electric vehicles as well as advise broader strategies on similar trends in the market by other players. This will also enable the company to save on fuel and maintenance costs, thus creating value for shareholders.

“The EV revolution is here with us. Countries around the world are racing to phase out gasoline and petrol cars. France, England, Norway, India, China, USA, and the Netherlands are leading with either a goal to stop the sale of internal combustion engines by 2050 or have significant EV sales,” said Serem.

Of reference
A new upgrade for Kenya’s national road network surfaces

In the long run, the adoption of EVs will drive up power demand and is also envisioned as a way to boost the utility’s revenues by way of selling more electricity to power transportation.

Already, KenGen said it has two EV charging stations in Nairobi and Naivasha and plans to install an additional three by end of 2023 in Murang’a, Embu, and Kisumu Counties within the company’s power plants. These particular charging stations are not open to the public as they are being utilised for internal piloting and data collection before the commencement of commercial rollout.