Kenya Power and Lighting Company Plc (Kenya Power) is the main electric utility company in Kenya, serving over 9.5 million customers and enabling access to the national grid for 76% of the population. The company is now focusing on promoting electric mobility in the country and has announced a significant investment of up to $2 million USD for the next three years to drive the uptake of electric vehicles. This investment will go towards setting up charging stations at various locations and purchasing electric vehicles for internal operations.
Kenya Power has already installed some charging stations, including a newly launched DC charging station at Stima Plaza. These stations will be open for free use by the public, requiring an RFID card for access. Kenya Power emphasizes its commitment to clean energy, with 90% of electricity dispatched to the grid coming from renewable sources. The company aims to collect data from its EV charging stations to support the growing e-mobility industry and make charging more environmentally friendly, particularly during off-peak hours.
The company plans to continue rolling out electric vehicle charging stations, with nine locations scheduled for installation in the second quarter of 2024. Additionally, Kenya Power is increasing its fleet of electric vehicles, intending to acquire more electric heavy-duty vehicles and motorcycles by the end of 2024. The introduction of an e-mobility tariff by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority will help drive the uptake of electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles by offering favorable pricing for energy consumption.
The e-mobility tariff is set at 16 Kenyan shillings per kWh during peak periods and 8 Kenyan shillings per kWh during off-peak periods, providing a cost-effective option for electric vehicle owners. The tariff is fixed until 2025/2026 and aims to make electric mobility more accessible and affordable for consumers. By tracking consumption data from the electric mobility sector, Kenya Power aims to support the growth of e-mobility in the country and reduce fossil fuel imports, which contribute to Kenya’s trade deficit.
Kenya Power has also initiated the annual E-mobility Conference to bring together industry players and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting the growth of the sector. This conference aims to create a framework for accelerating the uptake of e-mobility in Kenya and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation future. With ongoing investments and initiatives in electric mobility, Kenya Power is positioned as a leader in promoting clean energy solutions and advancing the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
