Calls For Policy Consistency & Continuity as Kenya’s Electric Mobility Sector Highlights Milestones

The Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK) has reported remarkable growth in the country’s electric mobility sector, particularly following the incentives introduced in the Finance Act of 2023. Registrations of electric vehicles surged dramatically from just over 4,000 in 2023 to nearly 29,000 in 2025, with electric motorcycles accounting for 90% of this increase. This represents a thirty-one-fold expansion in cumulative electric vehicle registrations over three years, signalling that Kenya’s electric mobility industry has moved well beyond the pilot phase and early adoption stage. Despite these significant gains, EMAK has raised concerns about the inconsistency and unpredictability of policy frameworks, as annual Finance Bills often introduce changes that can either support or undermine previous progress. The association is calling for greater policy continuity and harmonisation of incentives across all electric vehicle categories, including cars, trucks, and tuk-tuks, which have not experienced the same level of growth as motorcycles and buses. EMAK argues that a stable and coherent policy environment is crucial to allow industry players to scale their operations and fully realise the sector’s potential. President William Ruto has announced plans to remove import duties on 100,000 electric vehicles, a move that could represent the largest fiscal commitment to e-mobility in Kenya’s history. However, details on the implementation timeline and scope remain vague, prompting EMAK to urge that any duty-free import scheme should encompass all vehicle types to stimulate broader adoption. The association emphasises that extending supportive measures beyond motorcycles to other segments could accelerate Kenya’s transition to sustainable transportation and enhance energy security, especially in light of recent disruptions in global fossil fuel markets. The progress achieved so far has also had a positive impact on job creation and the wider economy, highlighting the sector’s growing importance. EMAK’s recommendations for 2026 focus on maintaining momentum through consistent policy support and expanding incentives to underdeveloped segments of the electric vehicle market. As Kenya’s electric mobility industry continues to evolve, these measures could position the country as a leader in clean transport innovation within Africa.