EV charging infrastructure Kenya
EV charging infrastructure Kenya

Kenya is fast-tracking its clean-transport ambitions. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has unveiled a $47.26 million (Sh6.12 billion) plan to roll out 10,000 EV charging stations across the country. The project is designed to overcome a persistent obstacle for EV adoption: the lack of charging infrastructure outside Nairobi.

The rollout will occur in three phases: 17 towns along major highways in phase one, 23 additional towns in phase two, and the remaining satellite towns and county headquarters in the final, most expensive phase. With this, Kenya is signaling that public funds alone can catalyze a nationwide shift toward electric mobility.

EV registrations in Kenya have climbed sharply — from 2,694 in 2023 to 5,294 in 2024, and now over 9,000. Despite this growth, charging access remains concentrated in Nairobi. Drivers in regions like Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru often face “range anxiety,” limiting the practical use of EVs outside urban centers.

The newly announced 45 charging stations across Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta counties aim to address these gaps. Strategic placement includes six chargers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), easing travel for both domestic and international users.

The phased plan comes with hefty price tags:

These investments are more than infrastructure costs; they’re a bet on shaping Kenya’s mobility patterns, energy consumption, and climate commitments. EV electricity usage jumped nearly 481 percent between July–December 2024, highlighting both demand and the revenue potential for Kenya Power.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is central to the rollout, setting aside KSh 258 million over three years for station installations and fleet electrification. Partnerships with TotalEnergies, Ampersand, Roam, and Arc Ride have already resulted in 13 public charging sites, while Moja EV Kenya plans a nationwide network of 100 stations, including fast 80kW DC chargers.

Local manufacturers like BasiGo are benefiting too, expanding Nairobi’s charging network in Embakasi, Kikuyu, and Buruburu, aligning with Kenya’s push to localize EV production and infrastructure simultaneously.

Government incentives are shaping demand as much as infrastructure:

The National Building Code 2024 mandates that new buildings provide EV charging in at least 5% of parking slots, embedding e-mobility into urban planning. Public-private financing initiatives, such as those from KPLC and NCBA Bank, are also reducing purchase barriers for individual and commercial EV buyers.

With more EVs and chargers, the national grid faces potential pressure, especially during peak hours. Experts advocate for coordinated energy management, smart charging, and grid upgrades to prevent bottlenecks. Without careful planning, the very infrastructure meant to accelerate adoption could strain the system.

Kenya’s approach positions it as East Africa’s frontrunner in electric mobility. Its model — combining government funding, strategic partnerships, policy incentives, and urban integration — is already shaping the regional landscape. The strategic rollout along highways, urban centers, and transport hubs like JKIA sends a clear signal: Kenya is serious about electric mobility.

Kenya Power Chairman Joy Brenda Masinde underscores the collaborative vision: “Our focus is to work closely with the Government of Kenya to advocate for policies that will continue to incentivize EV adoption.” Similarly, MD Dr. Joseph Siror emphasizes infrastructure as a backbone for smooth EV operations.

Kenya’s EV charging rollout is not just infrastructure—it’s a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional leadership. One opportunity lies in emerging business models: private firms could operate fast-charging hubs with subscription or pay-per-use plans, while solar-powered stations could open doors for renewable energy startups to provide modular solutions.

Local EV manufacturers like BasiGo could integrate their fleet expansion with charging networks, creating synergistic ecosystems where vehicle deployment and infrastructure growth feed off each other. Financial institutions such as NCBA Bank, already piloting EV financing programs, could further stimulate demand through bundled loans or leasing options tied to charger access.

On a broader scale, Kenya has the potential to export its e-mobility expertise regionally. By demonstrating scalable public-private partnerships, urban planning integration, and innovative energy management solutions, the country could set a benchmark for East Africa, positioning itself as a regional hub for EV technology and policy innovation.

Finally, smart-grid integration presents another avenue. With time-of-use pricing, energy storage, and digital monitoring, Kenya could turn EV charging into a tool for grid optimization, reducing peak loads while monetizing demand-response services.

Despite these opportunities, uncertainties persist. Scaling nationwide coverage without leaving rural areas underserved remains a challenge. Hybrid funding models, combining public funds with private investment or pay-as-you-go systems, might emerge as a solution, but their effectiveness is yet to be tested.

Interoperability and maintenance pose another critical question. Fragmented systems risk frustrating EV users, but a national platform or app that integrates public and private stations could solve this—if adoption and compliance are achieved.

The national grid itself could be stressed by peak demand spikes. Localized microgrids, battery storage, and smart charging programs are plausible solutions, yet require coordination and investment.

Finally, public adoption is unpredictable. Incentives, convenient station placement, and financing options may encourage uptake, but cultural, economic, and behavioral factors could influence whether EVs become mainstream or remain a niche choice. The future may hinge on how well policy flexibility, infrastructure deployment, and market incentives interact in real time.

Kenya’s $47 million EV charging plan, reinforced by 45 new chargers across six counties, represents more than infrastructure. It is a blueprint for sustainable transport, economic growth, and regional leadership in e-mobility. The success of this initiative will depend on balancing deployment, grid stability, and policy support — a delicate, but achievable, equation.


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