Kenya to produce 200, 000 electric motorbikes by 2024 - Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

The government intends to drastically increase the production of electric motorbikes in the country, in the coming months.

Speaking on Tuesday during a visit to the Roam Park, Nairobi, one of East Africa's electric motorcycle assembly plants, President William Ruto said the country should have 200, 000 e-motorbikes by end of 2024.

“We want to have over 200,000 electric boda bodas by the end of next year. We have agreed with some companies and that is why we have reduced five different taxes,” said Ruto.

He addressed some of the measures put in place by his administration, aimed at reducing the cost of production.

“The policy interventions we have included from zero rating on all e-bikes, motor vehicle spare parts, removing taxes on charging equipment, battery and lithium and the whole manufacturing of gadgets and instruments used in e-mobility.”

"We are on track to developing and implementing electric motorcycles that will provide affordable and eco-friendly transportation. Our goal is to encourage the adoption of clean energy alternatives that will align with our climate change action and foster economic growth in our country," he added.

On the other hand, Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria said Kenya's target to introduce e-bodas, offers an opportunity to transition ordinary mwananchi to a fair and a just boda boda market.

"This transition will enable the ordinary boda boda rider to afford a motor bike without the unjust profiteering by the manufacturers and lenders," said the CS.

He spoke after a meeting with Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (KABA) and Kenya Vehicles Manufacturers Association (KVMA) representatives.