Kenya’s electric vehicle (EV) market has seen notable growth, with units sold doubling to 11,000, yet the country still trails behind African leaders such as Morocco and Egypt, which have experienced the largest growth on the continent. According to the Global EV Outlook 2025, Morocco and Egypt’s EV sales surged by more than 2,000 units, driven by increased local production of electric vehicles and batteries.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global electric car sales exceeded 17 million last year, capturing more than 20% of the global car sales market. China remains the dominant force, with electric vehicle sales surpassing 11 million units more than the total global sales figure supported by its significant production capacity. China alone produced approximately 1.25 million electric cars last year, accounting for 70% of global EV production and boosting uptake in emerging markets.
Fatih Birol, IEA’s Executive Director, emphasized the strong global growth trend, stating, “Despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally. Sales continue to set new records, with major implications for the international auto industry.”
In Kenya, the rise in EV sales is attributed not only to imports but also to local assembly by firms like BasGo and Roam. Financing options have played a crucial role, with companies such as M-KOPA, Mogo, and Watu offering flexible payment plans and lease-to-own schemes, making electric motorcycles accessible to more consumers and small business owners.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that e-mobility demand stood at 2.4 GWh last year, a fraction of the country’s total electricity demand of 10,751.7 GWh. The introduction of an e-mobility tariff in the 2023/24 financial year, yielding Ksh 19.35 per unit, has supported this growing market.
The IEA attributes rapid growth in EV adoption to policy incentives and the increasing availability of affordable electric vehicles from Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Electric car exports globally rose by 20% last year to reach 3.5 million units. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, EV sales surged by 35% year-on-year, hitting 4 million.
Looking ahead, Birol predicts that more than one in four cars sold worldwide this year will be electric, with emerging economies driving much of the growth. By the end of the decade, this figure could rise to more than two in five cars, reflecting the increasing affordability and adoption of EVs globally.
In Kenya, the E-Mobility Association reports that newly registered electric motorcycles numbered 4,047, accounting for over half of total EV registrations, signaling a growing but still nascent market. Despite this progress, Kenya’s EV sector remains behind regional leaders, highlighting the need for continued policy support and investment in local production and infrastructure to accelerate uptake.
