The government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to promote and ensure faster adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country by assigning special number plates to them.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who made the announcement noted that the shift significantly cuts the emission of greenhouse gases while reducing the petroleum import bill.
Petroleum bill currently stands at Sh628.4 billion.
"Special plates will help raise awareness about EVs among the general public and encourage more people to consider switching to e-mobility,” Murkomen said.
The initiative, Murkomen said, extends to motorbikes, marking a comprehensive effort to revolutionize the country's transportation sector.
Speaking during the draft National E-Mobility Policy launch, the CS underscored the need to promote environmentally friendly transportation.
Murkomen at the same time revealed that the ministry was planning to take to the Cabinet a proposal for a phased fleet replacement program for all government vehicles from internal combustion engines to EVs.
The transition, he said, will in the long run save the taxpayer billions of shillings on fueling and other maintenance costs, not to mention the immense environmental benefits that come from the shift.
Additionally, the ministry according to the CS is planning to set up a charging infrastructure at the Ministry's headquarters.
He stated that there was an urgent need to create an enabling environment for the growth of electric vehicles in the country through a comprehensive policy framework.
The policy will guide the development of electric mobility in all transportation modes-roads, rail, air and maritime and provide a transition framework from the current internal combustion engine.
It also suggests incentives for EV adoption and support for local manufacturing.
Trade and Industry colleague Rebecca Miano was also present during the launch.
Murkomen further emphasized the collaboration with the private sector, international investors, and academic institutions to build essential infrastructure.