Kenya stands to benefit from a Sh13 billion ($100 million) initiative aimed at promoting zero-emission road transportation across emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
The campaign, spearheaded by the IKEA Foundation, will support a four-year effort to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in these regions.
Hosted by the ClimateWorks Foundation, the initiative aims to advance the Drive Electric Campaign, with Kenya being one of the key target countries.
In March 2023, Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport launched the country’s first Electric Mobility (e-mobility) Draft Policy, aimed at reducing emissions, cutting operating costs, decreasing reliance on imported fuels, and creating green jobs.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted that the policy will guide the development of electric mobility across various transportation modes, including road, rail, air, and maritime.
As of June 2023, Kenya had 2,079 electric vehicles, comprising 1,500 motorcycles, 181 station wagons, 176 tuk-tuks, and 20 electric buses, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. However, this is still a small fraction compared to the approximately five million fossil-fuel vehicles on Kenyan roads.
Rebecca Fisher, the Drive Electric Programme Director, emphasized the importance of accelerating the production and adoption of EVs to achieve global climate goals while reducing inequality. She identified Kenya, among other countries, as having the potential to lead the transition to sustainable transportation due to commitments to clean energy, political will, and favorable economic conditions.
Road transportation accounts for over half of global oil demand and is a significant source of carbon emissions. The Drive Electric Campaign aims to bridge the gap between leading and emerging markets in EV adoption, with the goal of reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Nairobi’s traffic congestion, highlighted as one of the worst in Africa, underscores the urgency of transitioning to electric vehicles. Traffic inefficiencies contribute to significant economic losses and health problems, emphasizing the need for sustainable transportation solutions.
The IKEA Foundation’s investment in the initiative aims to drive impactful change by decarbonizing road transportation. The Leapfrogging Partnership, supported by the foundation, will accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and contribute to significant carbon dioxide emissions reductions by 2050.
By supporting local leaders in emerging economies, including Kenya, the partnership seeks to pave the way for a sustainable future driven by electric mobility, in alignment with the foundation’s focus on tackling poverty and climate change.
