The number of motorists opting for electric vehicles has risen in the past year, with car dealers expressing confidence in the electric car market.
The uptick of the trend is in line with the government's mission to reduce carbon emissions as part of the COP 26 declaration on accelerating the transition to 100 per cent green energy.
Latest data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) showed over 2,079 electric units were sold in the second quota in 2023, up from 1,350 units in the first quota in 2023.
Out of this, motorcycles accounted for 1,500 units followed by station wagons (181) and tuk-tuks (176). Electric buses on Kenyan roads accounted for 20 units.
This is despite the government's efforts to reduce the fuel prices. In the latest review, Super Petrol prices were reduced by Ksh7.21, Diesel by Ksh5.09 and Kerosene by Ksh4.49.
This means that in Nairobi, the prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene retail at Ksh199.15, Ksh190.38 and Ksh188.74 respectively.
According to car dealers, most motorists are joining the fray due to the low running costs and clean transport that is essential in factoring in the climate change effects.
The government aims for electric vehicle units to reach 5 per cent of the total registered vehicles by 2025.
This sees a steady rise in Kenya's entry into the EV market which is dominated by countries such as China and the United Kingdom.
"For instance, one of our EV cars which goes for around Ksh3.5 million is not cheap for the common mwananchi. The people you're delivering these cars are not first timers or second buyers," Chief Executive Officer of a local car dealership in Nairobi Sammy Wanjema stated.
"They are people with a lot of experience and wanting to give back to society in the most environmental way."
The challenge for the government remains to put in place several EV charging stations across the country. According to EPRA, the stations ought to be placed every 25 kilometers on highways for ease of access.
