OPED

The essential need for a robust e-mobility policy

Once in place, it could set the stage for a comprehensive framework aimed at propelling Kenya into the electric vehicle era

In Summary
  • Firstly, it provides a clear regulatory framework that instills confidence among stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers and investors.
  • Secondly, a robust e-mobility policy plays a crucial role in addressing barriers to adoption, such as inadequate infrastructure and high upfront costs.
Bolt Kenya public policy manager George Abasy.
Bolt Kenya public policy manager George Abasy.
Image: HANDOUT

In a groundbreaking move for Kenya's transportation sector, the Ministry of Roads & Transport recently unveiled the nation's pioneering Electric Mobility (e-mobility) Draft Policy.

This signals a bold step towards a future powered by sustainable transportation solutions.

This policy once in place, will set the stage for a comprehensive framework aimed at propelling Kenya into the electric vehicle era.

At its heart, the e-mobility policy embodies a multifaceted approach designed to revolutionise transportation across all fronts, be it road, rail, air, or maritime.

Its objectives are ambitious yet crucial. The imperative of such a policy lies not only in its potential to catalyze the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), but also in its capacity to shape Kenya's journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

A robust e-mobility policy is instrumental in driving the uptake of electric mobility for several reasons.

Firstly, it provides a clear regulatory framework that instills confidence among stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers and investors.

This clarity fosters an environment conducive to innovation and investment in EV technology, thus accelerating the transition towards sustainable transportation.

Secondly, a robust e-mobility policy plays a crucial role in addressing barriers to adoption, such as inadequate infrastructure and high upfront costs.

By outlining plans for the development of charging infrastructure and offering incentives for EV purchases, the policy will incentivise individuals and businesses to embrace electric mobility, thereby driving uptake and market penetration.

A robust e-mobility policy is essential for fostering collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities and civil society organisations.

By promoting partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the policy will facilitate collective action towards achieving shared goals related to sustainability, energy security and climate change mitigation.

As a prominent player  in the transportation sector, Bolt is supportive of initiatives aimed at promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

We believe that the policy, once in place, will not only accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles but also create opportunities for green job creation and economic growth.

As we gear towards championing electric mobility in Kenya, Bolt looks forward to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to drive positive change and build a more sustainable future for all.

As we stand on the cusp of a transformative shift towards e-mobility, the importance of a robust regulatory framework cannot be overstated.

The launch of Kenya's Electric Mobility Draft Policy represents a crucial step towards realizing our collective vision of a greener, more sustainable future.

By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration and prioritising inclusivity, we can unlock the full potential of e-mobility, driving Kenya towards a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

The writer is the public policy manager at Bolt Kenya.

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