Following the growing preference for electric motor vehicles among Kenyans, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to develop regulations to govern the sector.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting of the energy sector on Thursday, the CS asked EPRA to establish regulatory standards that will steer the sector.
"It is also worth noting that we have emerging energy sub-sectors that will require us to think through how safety will be implemented, and this is a challenge I pose to EPRA," Wandayi stated.
"As a regulator, I urge you to work closely with the stakeholders present to develop forward-looking standards and regulations that govern how these sectors embed safety in their operations from the outset," he added.
According to Wandayi, for the energy sector to operate efficiently, EPRA has been urged to move with speed to address issues around battery safety, charging standards, and the safe integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the national grid.
"One such area is e-mobility, which is quickly gaining traction in Kenya. As electric vehicles and charging infrastructure become more prevalent, we must proactively address issues around battery safety, charging standards, and the safe integration of EVs into our grid," Wandayi added.
Following the recent drafting of the National Energy Policy 2025, which outlines the strategies the government aims to use to increase reliance on renewable energy, including the use of green hydrogen, Wandayi also asked EPRA to develop similar safety protocols on how this would be achieved.
"Another critical area is green hydrogen, a promising solution for clean energy that comes with unique handling, storage, and production risks. The development of this sub-sector must be guided by robust safety protocols that align with global best practices but also reflect our local realities," he added.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the government has set an ambitious target for EVs to constitute 5 per cent of all registered vehicles in Kenya by 2025.
To support this goal, investments are already being made to enhance the necessary infrastructure, including the installation of additional charging stations across the country.
Currently, data from EPRA shows that there are 3,753 electric vehicles in Kenya with the figures having increased from 2,694 as of December 2023.
EPRA added that the drive in the number of EVs is mainly motivated by the drive to decarbonize the transport sector in Kenya.
