The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Kenya has accelerated over the past decade, with licensed EVs and plug-in hybrids surpassing 9,000 in 2025, according to the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK). This growth reflects the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming its transportation sector into a more sustainable system.
Driven by the government’s carbon neutrality targets, the EV charging infrastructure is also evolving rapidly, with investments from both the public and private sectors.
EV Charging Infrastructure and National Standards
The Kenya EV Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines 2023 provide a roadmap to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030, especially in transportation, which contributes to 20% of national emissions. These guidelines support a standardized rollout using the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol.
OCPI enables EV users to access charging stations across networks with a single account. This is crucial for seamless interaction between Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (MSPs), simplifying the charging experience across Kenya.
Key EV Charging Networks and Providers
As of mid-2024, Kenya had just over 100 functional EV charging stations, posing a challenge for wide-scale adoption. However, the landscape is shifting, led by a coordinated push from major stakeholders.
In May 2025, Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) announced plans to install 45 new EV chargers across Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta counties within a year. In addition, KPLC will invest up to Ksh258 million over three years to accelerate EV uptake, aiming for EVs to account for 5% of new vehicle registrations by end of 2025.
Prominent EV Charging Providers in Kenya:
- Kenya Power (KPLC) – spearheading government EV infrastructure rollouts
- TotalEnergies – installing branded EV chargers at selected fuel stations
- EVChaja – a local EV charging startup offering scalable charging solutions
- EVBox – providing advanced EV charging hardware
- BasiGo – supporting electric public transport with bus charging hubs
- Moja EV – focusing on eco-friendly fleet electrification
These players are working together to expand Kenya’s EV ecosystem in both urban and peri-urban areas.
EV Charging Levels Explained
Charging equipment is categorized based on speed and power:
- Level 1:
- Up to 10km range/hour
- Standard home outlet (120V)
- Best for overnight charging
- Level 2:
- Up to 30km range/hour
- Requires 240V connection (used in appliances like dryers)
- Common for residential and public chargers
- Level 3 (DC Fast Charging):
- Over 50km range in just 10 minutes
- 480V+ output
- Charges EV battery to 80% in about 30 minutes
- Ideal for commercial stations and highway corridors
Cost of Establishing EV Charging Stations in Kenya
Setting up an EV charging station depends on the type and complexity:
- Level 1/2 Charger:
- Ksh250,000 – Ksh1.5 million
- Installation may include wiring, software, and signage
- DC Fast Charger (Level 3):
- Ksh5 million+
- High voltage setup with advanced cooling systems and communication protocols
Kenya Power’s pilot station at Stima Plaza in Nairobi cost about Ksh6.5 million, featuring both fast and standard chargers.
Read Also:
- Kenya’s Electric Mobility Strategy 2023–2030
- How BasiGo Is Electrifying Public Transport in Nairobi
- EVChaja: Kenya’s Homegrown Charging Network Innovator
With electric mobility gaining momentum in Kenya, the government and private sector are racing to build infrastructure that supports this green shift. As more EV charging stations in Kenya come online, the country is poised to become a leader in sustainable African transportation.
