The cost of an EV in Kenya has reduced by almost a half, according to the treasurer of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya Mr Steve Onyango.
“The cost of EV compared to ICE was approximately 2x. As we speak tday, the cost has gradually reduced to almost 1.2x,” said Onyango.
The EMAK official who is also the Watu Credit head of finance, was quoted by to CFO East Africa in an interview published March 12, 2025.
Onyango attributed the change to continuing reduced production costs and advanced research in electric vehicle batteries manufacturing.
The swap model where riders exchange batteries at recharging stations instead of waiting for their batteries to recharge has also contributed to the lowering costs.
Research collaboration
In November 2024, the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK) and Strathmore University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable the two institutions collaborate on research and other pertinent issues in the e-mobility sector.
The MoU signed on November 8 would see EMAK and the Strathmore Energy Research Centre Strathmore University conduct joint research and development, pilot programs, capacity building, awareness and advocacy, policy advocacy, technology transfer and innovation, resource sharing, among others.
The document was signed by Dr. Churchill Saoke Ph.D., Director, Strathmore Energy Research Centre, Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Hezbon Mose, President Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK).
EMAK noted that the partnership represented a significant step toward enhancing research, innovation, and education in electric mobility within Kenya, with an aim to develop cutting edge solutions for e-mobility.
Government policy shift
To further the adoption of electric vehicles and electric bikes in Kenya, Mr Onyango said EMAK was working on a white paper with an aim to incorporate member views into the Finance Bill 2025.
The views will include issues such as tax incentives for charging infrastructure and batteries, carbon credits awards to manufacturers of EVs, as well as subsidies on lease-hold land.
This is meant to boost the building of EV production plants and battery stations.
According to Mr Onyango, adopting and implementing the measures will make locally assembled electric vehicles cheaper than completely knocked down or fully built-up imports.
Feature Photo - From Left: Dr. Churchill Saoke Ph.D., Director, Strathmore Energy Research Centre; Prof. Izael Da Silva, DVC, Strathmore University; Hezbon Mose, President, EMAK
