Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced the introduction of special green-coloured number plates for electric vehicles (EVs). The announcement was made during the launch of the e-mobility policy draft at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, March 27. These distinctive number plates will be issued to motorists owning electric vehicles and motorcycles, marking a notable step in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable transportation.
The introduction of green number plates is part of a broader initiative under the newly unveiled e-mobility policy draft, aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility. This policy outlines a comprehensive framework for the adoption of electric vehicles, including the development of necessary infrastructure, incentives for EV owners, and measures to promote local manufacturing and assembly of EVs. The policy’s vision is to position Kenya as a leader in electric mobility in Africa, fostering a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation system powered by e-mobility.
Murkomen highlighted that the unique identification afforded by the green plates would facilitate the easier spotting of electric vehicles on Kenyan roads. Moreover, this initiative seeks to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles by providing additional incentives. One such incentive includes negotiating with county governors to allocate priority and discounted parking spaces for electric vehicles.
The move to introduce green number plates also necessitates a change for vehicles currently sporting green plates, primarily used by county enforcement officers. These vehicles will need to apply for new number plates as the exclusive green designation shifts to electric vehicles.
In addition to the number plates, CS Murkomen revealed plans for the installation of charging systems at the Ministry’s headquarters. This step is intended to spearhead the adoption of electric vehicles within the government, with the possibility of extending such infrastructure to other ministries. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
The e-mobility policy draft and the introduction of green number plates represent Kenya’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of climate change and urban pollution. By encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, Kenya is not only advancing its environmental goals but also setting a precedent for innovation in transportation across the African continent.
With nearly 3,000 electric vehicles already registered in the country, these new measures are expected to significantly boost the number of EVs on Kenyan roads, driving the nation towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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