Ruto: Commercial transporters to convert to electric vehicles

The Kenya Kwanza administration has promised to introduce the usage of electric vehicles into the country's transport sector if voted into office on August 9.

The Alliance leader William Ruto on Thursday said they plan to provide financial and tax incentives for PSVs and commercial transporters to convert to electric vehicles.

They will also roll out electric vehicle charging infrastructure in all urban areas and along the highways, to help support the plan.

"We will leverage the financial support that will be provided to the boda boda sector through the Hustler Fund to develop the nascent electronic vehicles motorcycle assembly industry," Ruto said.

Ruto pointed out that the plan was triggered by the fact that the price of fuel is a major challenge for consumers and for the economic stability of Kenya.

He however said the petroleum will still remain an important fuel.

Ruto added that the Alliance has committed to set up a legal framework to ring-fence the fuel stabilization fund.

The Deputy President further noted that Kenya is well endowed with cheap renewable power resources.

"Accelerating transition to electric vehicles is a win-win proposition in terms of contributing to Kenyans emission reduction commitment, cheaper transport, and leveraging on the large local and regional motorcycle market (~500,000 units a year) to build an electric vehicle industry," he said.

The UDA leader said they will, therefore, create incentives for the adoption of electric mass transit systems in all cities and towns.