This was announced during the unveiling of the EV Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines, 2023, which seeks to boost e-mobility adoption in the country.

Only certified charging equipment will be approved by the regulator.

“Any person intending to install a public or private charging station or a battery swapping station at a place of their choice can now apply for a licence from EPRA with all charging equipment expected to be those certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards,” EPRA said in a statement.

Transitions to clean vehicles as well as two- and three-wheelers have been on the rise lately as the country seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions impact on the environment, causing a slate of climate change-related consequences such as flooding and extended drought.

Alone, the transport sector directly accounts for about 13 percent of the total emissions and is growing.

“These guidelines add to the milestones that have already been achieved by the government in the e-mobility agenda,” EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria said at the launch of the guidelines.

“Overall, they ensure that charging infrastructure is accessible to all including persons with disability, are affordable, that they are placed along major highways for long distance travellers and that there are guidelines for home charging ports among others.”

The guidelines will also provide an adoption framework aimed at contributing positively to investments in e-mobility and instilling confidence in its uptake.

“The guidelines go beyond providing a framework for charging ports and battery swapping stations to giving investors the confidence derived in knowing what is required of them during instalment,” Kiptoo added.

“They also guide on the quality of infrastructure that is installed, ensuring that consumers safety and ease of access is provided.”

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said that electric mobility has the potential to increase how efficiently Kenyans consume electricity, ensuring that idle capacity is utilized during the off-peak period.

“We have noted that about 70 percent of charging by most electric buses and motorbikes is done during the off-peak period,” Chirchir said.

“Going by July 2023 data, the country has an available capacity of 2,254 megawatts against a peak demand of 2,164 megawatts and a demand of about 1,230 megawatts during off-peak hours,” the CS stated.

“This innovation takes us a step closer to energy efficiency, where more power is consumed during off peak times.”