The United Kingdom on Thursday, November 11, announced its plan to create 5,000 jobs for Kenyans in the green energy sector.
Speaking during the COP26 satellite event in Nairobi hosted by herself and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary, Betty Maina, UK's British High Commissioner, Jane Marriot, revealed that Britain had made a commitment to provide finances globally between now and 2025.
The 5,000 jobs are part of the new partnerships announced at the global climate change talks in Glasgow, Sweden, which include weather data, electric vehicles, forest conservation, and money to tackle drought.
The partnership will see Kenyan electric boda boda companies receive financial support from the UK to manufacture the motorbikes, in the process creating green jobs.
“The new Kenya-UK climate partnerships announced at COP26 demonstrate our commitment to supporting Kenya’s future of green jobs that will last – through weather services, forest data and climate finance," Marriot stated.
She further stated that the electric bodas were driving green revolution in Kenya owing to lower emissions. Her remarks were reiterated by CS Maina, who welcomed the move to switch to electric vehicles.
“Kenya can be a leader in the world by championing electric vehicles, not only by reducing harmful emissions but also by increasing the number of Kenyan made vehicles. I am delighted that the UK has helped grow this industry in Kenya, as we work together to tackle the impacts of climate change,” the Industrialization CS remarked.
During the event, Kenyan electric boda companies supported by the UK showcased their innovations.
It marked the end of a pilot which included 40 riders and bikes from local assemblers, Opibus, Arc Ride, Ecobodaa, Mazi Mobility, Fika and Kiri EV, in partnership with Uber and E-Safiri. Opibus, announced it had raised Ksh750 million from private investors, with support from the UK‘s Manufacturing Africa programme.
According to a UK-funded analysis, riders who switch to the electric motorcycle would enjoy a 35 per cent increase in their earnings as well as other health benefits.
Recent studies have shown that sales of electric motorbikes in Kenya are expected to increase to at least 20,000 in 2025 and ultimately create over 5,000 new green jobs in Kenya.
COP26 builds on the Ksh22 billion Kof climate investment from the UK in Kenya over the past three years – working with Kenya to adapt and manage the worst effects of climate change and create jobs in a green and sustainable way.
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