Kenya’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Surge: Why Two-Wheelers Are Leading The Charge
Kenya’s electric vehicle (EV) transition is no longer just a buzzword — the numbers tell a powerful story. According to the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (as reported by Business Daily), the country’s EV stock had climbed to 6,442 units by mid-2025, a massive leap from just over a thousand units in 2022. What stands out, however, is that two-wheelers — not cars — are driving this revolution.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- In 2019, Kenya had fewer than 200 EVs. Fast forward to 2025, and the number has surged more than 30X.
- The total EV share of new vehicle registrations jumped from 1.61% in 2023 to 3.13% in 2024. This is still modest, but the upward curve is unmistakable.
Why Two-Wheelers Dominate
Breaking down registrations:
- Motorcycles lead at 7.07% of all new vehicle registrations.
- Tuk-Tuks follow at 4.55%, showing adoption among last-mile and micro-mobility operators.
- Buses and minibuses (1.11%) are beginning to feature as fleet operators experiment with electrification.
- Passenger cars lag at just 0.18% — a stark reminder of affordability barriers in the EV market.
This skew reflects Kenya’s transport reality: motorcycles and three-wheelers dominate last-mile transport, delivery services, and affordable mobility. They are cheaper, easier to charge, and more aligned with Kenya’s energy and income profile than electric cars.
What This Means for Kenya’s Future
- Policy & Infrastructure: Kenya’s EV growth is outpacing charging infrastructure development. Without deliberate investment in charging networks — especially for high-mileage boda bodas — growth could stall.
- Affordability & Financing: Two-wheelers are thriving because they are affordable. Scaling EV uptake in passenger cars and buses will depend on financing innovations, subsidies, and import duty reforms.
- Climate & Energy Benefits: Kenya’s electricity grid is already over 80% renewable (mostly hydro, geothermal, and wind). Scaling EV adoption directly reduces emissions without the “dirty grid” dilemma seen in other markets.
The Bigger Picture
Kenya is quietly positioning itself as an African test bed for sustainable mobility. The early dominance of two-wheelers is a practical, uniquely Kenyan pathway to mass electrification. While cars and buses lag behind, they will inevitably follow as technology costs drop, policy support deepens, and consumer awareness grows.
If the current momentum continues, Kenya could leapfrog into becoming one of Africa’s leading EV markets — not through Teslas on highways, but through boda bodas buzzing across cities and towns.
