KenGen to install over 30 electric vehicle charging stations in Kenya next year

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has made giant strides to improve the country’s e-mobility sector. The energy-producing company has disclosed the launch of a pilot project for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Kenya,

KenGen plans to install over 30 EV charging stations across the country in 2023. The company also unveiled four electric vehicles, including two SUVs and two double-cabin pickups, that will be used for data collection and policy development.

This announcement would be well received in the east-African nation as the government intends to improve the e-mobility sector of the nation. The new venture by KenGen is part of the NSE-listed company’s environmental and economic sustainability plan to reduce global GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions by inspiring confidence for wider EV adoption across the country.

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This launch comes only a few months after Kenya Power announced plans to start constructing electric charging centres for electric vehicles in the country. The company advertised an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting private bodies to partner to assist in implementing the Electric Vehicle charging system, E-Mobility Network Infrastructure System (ENIS) in September.

KenGen will use the cost and environmental data from the four EVs to transition its fleet to EVs, further demonstrating KenGen’s role in elevating its position on attracting investment funds financing green initiatives.

KenGen Acting Managing Director and CEO Abraham Serem noted that the pilot EV units would give them a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of e-vehicles transition while also providing insights on initial technology choices for electric charging infrastructure in the country.

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“I am glad to announce that in the next one year, we plan to roll out about 30 EV charging stations in major cities across the country. The four acquired EVs we are launching today will give the company first-hand experience and data on electric vehicles,” he said, adding that this is an endeavour they seek to conduct collectively with other stakeholders.

“The development of e-mobility is an area that will require a multi-sectoral approach. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and working together with key partners, we have no doubt that this transition will pick up pace faster than envisaged,” Mr Serem said during the launch.

The rollout would be used to develop a blueprint to convert the company’s fleet from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to electric vehicles and advice broader strategies on similar trends in the market by other players. This will also enable the company to save on fuel and maintenance costs, thus creating value for shareholders.

“The EV revolution is here with us. Countries around the world are racing to phase out gasoline and petrol cars. France, England, Norway, India, China, USA, and the Netherlands are leading with either a goal to stop the sale of internal combustion engines by 2050 or have significant EV sales,” said Mr. Serem.