By Frank Kamuntu
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, alongside the E-Mobility task force, has launched the draft policy on E-Mobility in Kenya, marking a significant stride towards embracing sustainable transportation in the country.
During the launch event, held in Nairobi, CS Murkomen announced the government’s plan to introduce distinctive green number plates for electric vehicles (EVs).
This initiative aims to incentivise the adoption of EVs and promote environmentally friendly transportation solutions across Kenya.
“If you have been driving a car with a green number plate, prepare to apply for another number plate. All vehicles and motorcycles that are EV (electric vehicles), we will give them green number plates,” stated CS Murkomen during the draft policy launch event.
Why is the government introducing green number plates for electric vehicles?
According to the CS, the introduction of green number plates for EVs serves to encourage the transition towards electric vehicles and to lay the groundwork for future incentives and support measures.
CS Murkomen emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering an EV-friendly environment, including potential collaborations with local authorities to establish designated parking areas for EVs.
“Part of the reason to do so is first to encourage, but because going forward some incentives and hopefully even in the city, we will be speaking to Governor Sakaja and his administration and hopefully other counties so that they can set up own areas for parking EV vehicles at a cheaper rate to encourage more people to invest in EV vehicles. To also give priority for parking spaces to EV buses at a concessional rate. People will be able to identify this is an EV vehicle,” CS Murkomen elaborated.
The implementation of green number plates for EVs aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In other related news, President Ruto drove himself in an electric vehicle (EV) twice to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre ((KICC) in Nairobi for the Africa Climate Summit 2023.
He showcased his commitment to climate change solutions by adapting and adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems.
The head of state drove an Autopax AirEv YETU Y300, whose battery capacity can go up to 300 kilometres.
