Kenya Power, the leading electricity distributor, is poised to enhance e-mobility through a substantial investment of Sh258 million over the next three years. This initiative aims to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and establish the necessary infrastructure to support them.
The investment encompasses various components, including the procurement of electric vehicles and motorcycles to facilitate Kenya Power’s operations, along with the installation of charging stations nationwide. The utility announced its commitment to this endeavor, highlighting its plans to set up charging stations at strategic locations across the country.
In a recent development, Kenya Power inaugurated an EV charging station at its headquarters in Parklands, Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in its e-mobility initiative. The station, constructed at a cost of Sh6.5 million, features two chargers: a 50 kW direct current charger capable of charging within one hour, and a 22 kW alternating current charger with a two-hour charging time.
Furthermore, Kenya Power has established a similar charging facility at its depot in Ruaraka, which serves as the hub for its transportation operations. The company intends to expand its charging network by installing nine additional chargers by July 2024. These stations will be strategically located in Nakuru, Mombasa, Mtito Andei, Kisumu, Eldoret, and various points in Nairobi.
Joseph Siror, the managing director of Kenya Power, expressed enthusiasm about the future of e-mobility, affirming the company’s commitment to lead discussions and initiatives in this transformative sector. He emphasized the dual purpose of the EV charging stations, not only to meet the charging needs of electric vehicles but also to gather valuable data to inform future strategies in supporting the growing e-mobility ecosystem.
In tandem with its investment efforts, Kenya Power is gearing up to host the Second E-mobility Stakeholder Conference and Exhibition at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. Scheduled to commence on Tuesday, the two-day conference will focus on accelerating the adoption of e-mobility in Kenya, reflecting the increasing demand for EVs and associated infrastructure.
The surge in demand for EV charging stations is attributed to the significant uptick in electric vehicle registrations, particularly in the motorcycle segment. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, the registration of EVs witnessed a remarkable surge last year, reaching a record 2,694 vehicles, a substantial increase compared to the previous year’s figure of 475 EVs.
