Kenya’s $47M Plan to Build 10,000 EV Charging Stations by 2030

Kenya is gearing up for a major leap in clean mobility with an ambitious government-backed plan to set up 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide at a cost of $47.26 million (KSh 6.12 billion).

According to a new policy blueprint released by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the rollout will unfold in three strategic phases between 2025 and 2030, with the goal of transforming Kenya’s highways and towns into EV-friendly zones.

Phase 1: The Highway Corridor

The first stage will target 17 towns along the busy Mombasa–Busia highway, including Voi, Emali, Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu. With a budget of $9.16 million (KSh 1.18 billion), this phase is designed to anchor the EV ecosystem along the country’s most critical trade and transport route.

Phase 2: Expansion to 23 Towns

The second phase, estimated at $13.9 million (KSh 1.8 billion), will expand coverage to 23 more towns connected to the initial corridor. Locations earmarked include Malindi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Garissa, and Nanyuki — regions with growing vehicle activity and energy demand.

Phase 3: Nationwide Coverage

The final phase will be the most ambitious, costing $24.2 million (KSh 3.13 billion). It will push EV charging access into county headquarters and satellite towns not included earlier, effectively laying the groundwork for universal EV infrastructure.

Why It Matters

As of December 2024, Kenya had 5,294 registered EVs, a 41% jump from the 3,753 recorded in 2023. Yet, adoption has been hampered by the lack of reliable charging stations outside Nairobi. This rollout could be the tipping point.

Already, momentum is building:

• Kenya Power announced plans to install 45 charging stations nationwide.
• In 2022, the energy regulator required charging stations every 25 km along major highways.

With the National Energy Compact 2025–2030 now in play — and funding guaranteed by the government — Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in EV adoption. Backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project not only boosts green mobility but also strengthens Kenya’s energy innovation footprint.

👉 If executed as planned, by 2030, charging an EV in Kisumu, Garissa, or Nanyuki could be just as seamless as in Nairobi.