Kenya: e-mobility is increasing despite lack of policy support – NPO
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Kenya’s e-mobility sector is on an upward curve, with an increase in companies and more electric vehicles on the East African country’s roads, says Africa E-Mobility Alliance.
The non-profit organisation said Kenya’s e-mobility sector has 35 e-mobility companies and 1,350 registered electric vehicles.
“The sector is driven by the potential to disrupt commercial and public transport, affordable electricity compared to fossil fuels, and innovative financing models.
“Despite the lack of robust policy support hindering mass adoption, the sector continues to grow, with 3.2 million kWh of electricity consumed annually.”
The NPO said the sector has attracted $50 million in investments and “offers significant potential for job creation and economic growth.”
“With the right policy support and investment, e-mobility in Kenya can transform transportation, energy, and socio-economic dynamics.”
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Kenya has companies like BasiGo and Roam producing electric buses and motorcycles respectively for use in the local market and in Africa.
Last March, BasiGo became the first company to launch an electric passenger bus in Kenya. Its buses can travel 250 kilometres on one charge.
Roam opened a 10,000 square metre plant in Nairobi earlier this year. From here, it plans on producing 50,000 motorcycles a year.
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E-mobility sector in the spotlight as stakeholders discuss green bus system
This week, Kenya’s main electricity supplier Kenya Power, joined participants to discuss the role of different stakeholders “in relation to a just and green Bus Rapid Transport (BRT).”
The event was held at the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi.
“Converting to a transportation system running on renewable fuels, such as biogas, will substantially lower the emissions.
“Electric vehicles are often an even better option if the electricity is produced from renewable energy sources.
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“This is the case in Kenya, where over 90% of the electricity is generated mainly from geothermal, hydro and wind sources,” said Kenya Power.
In March, Kenya and the EU announced that they had entered into a $378.8 million financing agreement to construct an electric bus line in Nairobi.
The line will be the first dedicated electric bus rapid lane in East Africa. It is part of a system of five rapid bus lines to be developed in the Kenyan capital. The line is expected to become operational in 2030.
Kenya Power said the transport sector in the country accounts for close to 15% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. After the agricultural sector, it is the second largest sector of emissions.
“In Nairobi, as elsewhere in Kenya, most of the transport is carried out using fossil fuels.”
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— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 18, 2023
