Kenya is taking a decisive step toward sustainable mobility with an ambitious plan to invest $47.26 million (Ksh 6.12 billion) in the rollout of 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. The new policy framework, outlined by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of EVs and building the infrastructure required to support cleaner, greener transportation.
The rollout will be implemented in three key phases. Phase one will target 17 towns along the Mombasa–Busia highway corridor, one of the country’s busiest transport routes. This initial phase, costing $9.16 million (Ksh 1.18 billion), will serve as a pilot for wider expansion, ensuring EV drivers have access to reliable charging points across strategic transit hubs.
In phase two, the project will extend to 23 additional towns and connecting roads at an estimated cost of $13.9 million (Ksh 1.8 billion). This will significantly expand the coverage beyond the initial corridor, easing travel between key urban and regional centers. The final and most capital-intensive phase will require $24.2 million (Ksh 3.13 billion) and focus on installing charging stations at county headquarters and satellite towns not addressed in earlier stages.
This bold initiative is outlined in the National Energy Compact 2025–2030 and has already been submitted to the African Development Bank (AfDB), a longstanding partner in Kenya’s energy development. Importantly, the entire project will be government-funded, demonstrating Kenya’s strong commitment to reducing emissions, modernizing its transport sector, and aligning with global climate goals.
The lack of adequate charging infrastructure has long been cited as a major bottleneck to EV adoption. As of December 2024, Kenya had 5,294 registered EVs—a 41 per cent increase from the previous year—yet most charging points remained concentrated in Nairobi. Efforts by Kenya Power and regulations introduced in 2022, which mandate charging stations every 25 kilometers on major highways, have begun to address this challenge, but the new plan represents a significant scale-up.
With towns such as Voi, Emali, Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu prioritized in the first phase, and further expansion to Malindi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Garissa, and Nanyuki in the second, the rollout will not only promote EV adoption but also stimulate regional development. By bridging infrastructure gaps, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in e-mobility and clean energy innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable future in transport.
