E-buses importers, assemblers to get tax incentives - Murkomen

The government will offer incentives to private companies involved in the importation of electric cars, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Murkomen said this will help promote the adoption of electric mobility in the country as part of the strategies being adopted to address emissions responsible for global warming and climate change.

He said with the cost of buying electricity currently high as compared to those of diesel, it was only appropriate for the government to offer such inducements.

“There must be ways of incentivizing this investment so that it becomes easy for the public service sector (PSV) to adopt e-mobility… we are looking for tax incentives and other financial support that is going to be given to the private sector,” said Murkomen.

Manufacturers, assemblers, sellers and spare part dealers are also going to benefit.

CS Murkomen disclosed that as a ministry, they have developed a memo to be presented in Cabinet next week Tuesday.

This, he said, will pave way for the formation of a Taskforce to develop proper policy and legal framework towards the adoption of e-mobility.

Murkomen stated that the team will encompass the private sector, PSV, and public agencies including research institutions and local universities.

He made the remarks when he flagged off 15 electric buses acquired by Super Metro and Citi Hoppa.

The buses have been assembled by Basigo Company Limited, a local company delivering the buses across the country.

Currently, he stated, there are over 20 startup companies dealing with different aspects of e-mobility.

These companies assemble two and three-electric wheelers, and import electric vehicles and dealerships in charging infrastructure.

Present were principal secretaries Joseph Mbugua (Roads), Mohamed Daghar (Transport ) and CEO Basi Go Jit Bhattacharya.

With air pollution being one of the largest single environmental health risks and the leading cause of illnesses and deaths, Murkomen said they are fully committed to enhancing transition.

Evidence from the studies conducted in Nairobi by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that air pollution is increasingly affecting city residents.

The CS pointed out that Matatus and buses transport over two million daily and so expressed his commitment towards making public transport safe, reliable and sustainable.

“Quality public transport services will attract private car owners to public transport hence reducing traffic congestion and emissions,” he observed.

He noted that the government has already enacted two ‘important’ Laws to help with the transition to e-mobility.

According to Murkomen, the policy will provide guidance to counties on how to promote electric mobility in their respective areas.

“Availability of technicians to repair electric vehicles is important. Capacity building will be undertaken through regional Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) for the repair of EVs,” said the CS.