- Manufacturers, assemblers, sellers and spare part dealers are also going to benefit.
- Currently, he stated, there are over 20 startup companies dealing with different aspects of e-mobility.
Image: HANDOUT
The government intends to offer financial incentives to private companies involved in the importation of electric cars to help promote the adoption of electric mobility in the country.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is focused on addressing emissions responsible for global warming and climate change.
With the cost of buying electricity currently high as compared to those of diesel, Murkomen said, it was appropriate for the government to offer such inducements.
“There must be ways of incentivising 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,” Murkomen said.
Manufacturers, assemblers, sellers and spare part dealers are also going to benefit.
The CS made the remarks when he flagged off 15 electric buses acquired by Super Metro and Citi Hoppa.
Currently, he stated, there are more than 20 startup companies dealing with different aspects of e-mobility.
Basigo which is among the more than 20 companies that have been licenced in the country to deal in e-mobility assembled the buses, the largest so far in the country.
The 26-seater buses, owned by various public service vehicle (PSV) Saccos are set to serve the city commuters plying various routes within the city.
Apart from the importation and assembly of the buses, other licenced companies are assembling the two and three-electric wheelers as others provide charging infrastructure.
Present were principal secretaries Joseph Mbugua (Roads), Mohamed Daghar (Transport ) and CEO Basi Go Jit Bhattacharya.
“Replacing one diesel bus the country aims to mitigate the emission of 50 tons of Carbon dioxide every year," Bhattacharya said.
Murkomen at the same time disclosed that the ministry has 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.
He said the team will encompass the private sector, PSV, and public agencies including research institutions and local universities.
To address the power challenges, the CS said the Kenya power company has already allowed a few buses currently operating to establish charging points with the tariffs having been gazzeted by the energy regulatory authority.
The buses are charged for two-three hours and can be used for 250 kilometres before a recharge.
Murkomen at the same stated that a set of standards and regulations for testing carbon emissions from vehicles are in place.
He said the National Environmental and Management Authority in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority will operate a joint testing center.
The CS further explained that once the policy and legal framework are, they are going to moot plans to allow the importation of small cars and especially for use by state officers.