Kenya to Invest Ksh 6 Billion in 10,000 EV Charging Stations Nationwide

Kenya has unveiled bold plans to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem with an investment of $47.26 million (Ksh 6 billion) to install 10,000 EV charging stations across the country. The project, fully funded by the government, will be rolled out in three phases and is expected to make electric vehicles in Kenya more practical for everyday use.

First Phase: 17 Towns Along Major Highways

The first rollout will target 17 key towns located along major highways, which serve as essential transport and trade routes. By starting here, the government ensures that EV drivers traveling long distances can easily recharge their vehicles. This step addresses one of the biggest challenges facing EV adoption in Kenya—limited charging infrastructure outside Nairobi.

Expansion to Counties and Satellite Towns

After the initial phase, the project will gradually expand to county headquarters and satellite towns, making charging points available nationwide. This expansion supports the government’s vision of positioning Kenya as a regional leader in green mobility in Africa.

Supporting Kenya’s EV Policy and Clean Energy Goals

Kenya’s long-term EV policy aims for at least 5% of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2030. To achieve this, a strong charging infrastructure is vital. Currently, most charging stations are concentrated in Nairobi, leaving other towns underserved. This investment will close that gap and encourage wider electric car adoption in Kenya.

Boosting Electricity Consumption

The rise of electric transport also benefits Kenya’s energy sector. Kenya Power reported that EV-related electricity consumption increased by 480.6% between July and December last year. With 10,000 EV charging stations coming online, this figure is expected to rise significantly, ensuring greater use of the country’s renewable energy resources such as wind, hydro, and geothermal.

Benefits for Kenyans and the Economy

The new investment brings multiple benefits:

Affordable Transport: Electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain and fuel compared to petrol or diesel cars.

Job Creation: The rollout will generate jobs in construction, technology, and maintenance of EV charging stations in Kenya.

Cleaner Environment: By cutting fuel emissions, EVs will help combat climate change and improve air quality.

Regional Leadership: This initiative positions Kenya as one of Africa’s leading countries in sustainable transport and clean energy projects.

Why This Matters

For Kenyans, the presence of EV charging stations along highways will remove range anxiety, allowing drivers to take longer trips confidently. Businesses such as matatus, boda bodas, and delivery companies can also consider shifting to electric vehicles in Kenya, reducing costs while embracing clean technology.

With this project, Kenya is not just building infrastructure — it is laying the foundation for the future of transport in Africa.