Chirchir: Kenya's drive towards E-Mobility and Climate Action

Shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones is a race toward more sustainable future.

In Summary

•We are poised to be torchbearers in the pursuit of sustainable mobility.

•In a nation where energy access remains a critical issue, this dual-purpose synergy sets the stage for a transformative leap toward energy sufficiency.

President William Ruto tries one of the bikes during the launch of the national e-mobility programme at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park in Mombasa on Friday, September 1, 2023.
President William Ruto tries one of the bikes during the launch of the national e-mobility programme at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park in Mombasa on Friday, September 1, 2023.
Image: HANDOUT

In an era defined by progress and change, Kenya stands firmly at the crossroads of transformation, preparing to embark on a journey that promises to revolutionise the way we move, consume energy, and safeguard our planet.

Our country is leading the charge to e-mobility, a pursuit that not only addresses our transportation challenges but also combats climate change while bestowing greater value upon our citizens.

The global shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones is a race toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. As a nation, Kenya has crafted a blueprint to spearhead this transition, seizing the opportunity to combat climate change and surmount our transportation challenges in one dynamic stroke.

But this endeavour is not a solitary quest; it is a collaborative venture that calls for the concerted efforts of various sectors. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and in collaboration with our key partners, this transition is poised to accelerate beyond our initial projections.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) marks a pivotal shift from internal combustion engines to emission-free transportation solutions. This transition brings with it the promise of reduced fuel and maintenance costs, heralding a new era of value creation for Kenya.

As global leaders forge ahead, from France and England to Norway and India, we are poised to join their ranks, not as mere followers, but as torchbearers in the pursuit of sustainable mobility.

Yet, our commitment extends beyond the bounds of transportation. The adoption of EVs is a harbinger of a new energy paradigm, one that amplifies power demand and consequently augments our energy sector's revenue streams through the sale of electricity for transportation.

In a nation where energy access remains a critical issue, this dual-purpose synergy sets the stage for a transformative leap toward energy sufficiency.

While Africa grapples with the colossal challenges of climate change, it is simultaneously endowed with unmatched potential to usher in a sustainable and equitable transition. Our continent, though energy-deficient, possesses the richest troves of sustainable energy resources. With unlimited solar potential, and abundant hydro, wind, and geothermal energy, Africa's resources are ripe for exploration. It is imperative that we marshal these resources not only to power our homes but also to electrify our mobility, thereby charting a course to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Kenya's embrace of e-mobility has been accelerated by a marked decline in global EV prices. Reports indicate that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly affordable, projected to achieve price parity with their internal combustion counterparts by 2025. This democratization of access to EVs is propelling Kenya into a future where sustainable mobility is accessible to all, transcending economic boundaries.

However, this transition is not without its challenges. To fully embrace EVs, we must bolster our power generation capacity. An electrified future demands not only clean mobility but also an abundance of clean energy. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is committed to ramping up our EV charging infrastructure, ensuring that the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles is both seamless and swift.

As we prepare to host the Africa Climate Summit, a historic event that marks the continent's commitment to climate action, Kenya is poised to shine as a beacon of hope and progress. Our steadfast embrace of e-mobility not only aligns with global trends but positions us as frontrunners in shaping a sustainable future. By leveraging innovation, investing in technology, and fostering collaboration, Kenya can rise to the forefront of the electric mobility revolution.

With resounding determination, we recognize that the shift to EVs is not just a choice—it is a necessity. As international regions set timelines for phasing out internal combustion engines, the world is unequivocally signaling a departure from the fossil fuel era. We must act, not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will inherit our choices.

This transition is our commitment to environmental stewardship, our pledge to economic resilience, and our promise to future generations. By accelerating our efforts to embrace e-mobility, Kenya is not just participating in a global movement but carving out a distinctive path—one that heralds cleaner air, stronger economies, and a more sustainable world.

This is our time to be the architects of our destiny and the true custodians of our planet. In the spirit of unity and progress, Kenya must now add its voice to resonate with a steadfast commitment to e-mobility and chart out a future that is not only within reach but one that is essential for a flourishing planet.

The author is the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum

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