The Energy, Petroleum, and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) calls on Kenyans to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce toxic emissions from combustion vehicles.

As a result, EPRA has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed ‘Tusonge na EVs’ to raise awareness and increase affordability.

And promote the adoption of clean vehicles with the support of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The initiative supports the government’s aspiration to attain a 5 percent market share of all newly imported vehicles being fully electric by 2025.

According to EPRA, the country’s EV fleet currently comprises over 3,700 registered units, with approximately 90 percent being 2- and 3-wheelers.

While EV sales are increasing globally, there is a high concentration in major markets like the US, China, and Europe.

EPRA Director General (DG) Daniel Kiptoo said Kenya has witnessed a steady increase in EV imports, with electric vehicles rising by 1.6 percent in 2023 from 0.17 percent.

“Kenya’s electric vehicle fleet currently comprises over 3,700 registered units,” he said.

He attributed the growth in EV uptake to the authority’s efforts to rally support for the nation's adoption of electric vehicles to help reduce toxic emissions.

Last year, the Authority introduced a bulk Kes 16 per KWH tariff for EVs charging at designated e-ports, a move to encourage Kenyans to acquire electric vehicles.

The Electric Vehicle Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines set out individual pricing regimes for e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-cars, e-trucks, and e-buses.