The Kenya’s Road and Transport Ministry has released a draft copy of the National e-Mobility Policy also known as National Electric Mobility Policy, Strategy and Regulation. Basically, a document guiding its policy direction on electric-powered mobility systems. Kenya joins South Africa and others to position for an electric-driven future. The taskforce is ably led by Daniel Ngumy, a lawyer with keen interest in electrification beyond urban hubs in Kenya.
We would highlight the salient parts and focus of the draft documents and what to likely expect towards a final adoption and possible codification as law. The policy hopes to make Kenya a leader in electric mobility transition in Africa with a mission to create a pathway ‘’towards a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation powered by e-mobility.’’
To encourage mass adoption both at governmental and publicly;
- Set a timeline for all registered vehicles to be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and prioritize addition of electric vehicles in government’s fleet with attention to local content.
- Develop a framework for asset financing for electric vehicles to encourage adoption of EVs.
- To further develop countrywide framework for adoption of EVs for mass passenger transportation.
To further promote mass adoption, the policy aims to;
- Introduce vehicle emission standards and initiate certification programs for electricians, installers and technicians in the EV value chain and industry.
- Harmonize codes and standard to ensure consistency and interoperability especially with charging infrastructure. This allows for easy data sharing on charging behaviour and patterns
- County governments to facilitate the installation of charging infrastructure in public spaces.
- Set timeline and target for a phased transition of Internal Combustion Engines Vehicles(ICEVs) to EVs.
- Develop and integrate EV module in Universities and Technical and Vocational Education.
Fiscally, the policy aims to;
- Provide tax incentives on import and excise duty on EV parts and components for a specific period of time while expediting green channels for EV parts importation.
- Waive vehicle registration on EVs and tax incentives for locally manufactured and assembled EVs.
- Review and implement new electricity tariff for EVs infrastructure and charging stations and points.
The policy intends to be gender and socially inclusive while enhancing equality by;
- Incentivizing women, youth and PLWDs to engage in economic activities enabled by e-mobility.
- Nationwide targeted awareness on the economic benefits and environmental advantages of e-mobility.
- Develop better financing models for road maintenance and development.
- In collaboration with financial institutions, the government will create e-mobility financing products targeting the youths, women and PLWDs.
We will continue to study the policy as it gets debated and refined before final adoption as a law. You can read the draft policy here.
Photocredit: Wikipedia.
