Kenya is poised to reap the rewards of a Sh13 billion ($100 million) investment in the Drive Electric Campaign, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing zero-emission road transportation across emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
The IKEA Foundation’s substantial investment is set to bolster the four-year initiative, which seeks to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce reliance on imported fuels while creating green jobs.
Kenya’s commitment to electric mobility was evident in the launch of the Electric Mobility (e-mobility) Draft Policy in March 2023, aimed at reducing emissions, lowering operating costs, and transitioning from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles across all transportation modes.
Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the policy’s role in guiding the development of electric mobility, with a focus on road, rail, air, and maritime transportation.
Rebecca Fisher, Drive Electric Programme Director, highlighted the potential for emerging markets like Kenya to lead the clean energy transition, citing political will and favorable economic conditions as key enablers for sustainable, zero-emission transportation.
The initiative aims to address the pressing issue of global emissions from road transportation, with a focus on decarbonizing society through electrification. The partnership is projected to save approximately 43 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 2050.
The IKEA Foundation’s strategic philanthropy aligns with its focus on combating poverty and climate change, recognizing these as the foremost threats to future generations.