Piloting and Prepare to Scale E-Mobility in Kenya
A strong ecosystem for sustainable transport
E-mobility plays a significant role in transforming the growing transportation sector in a sustainable, long-term manner. However, Sub-Saharan countries face major challenges, such as limited access to reliable power grids and a lack of financing. Kenya has the potential to lead the way with its well-developed power grid and its strong government commitment to renewable energies and sustainable transport. Together with GIZ, Siemens Stiftung is implementing the “Piloting and Prepare to Scale E-Mobility in Kenya” project. This initiative aims to accelerate the development and scaling of e-mobility solutions in Kenya by providing targeted support to enterprises, thereby bridging the gap between innovative solutions and market readiness.
Compared to neighboring countries, Kenya offers a favorable environment for electrification of the transport system. Overall, 70% of the population has access to a reliable power grid. By 2025, the government has set a target of harnessing 100% of electricity from renewable sources – with 5% of all imported vehicles to be electric. At the same time, Kenya is home to one of Africa’s most dynamic e-mobility startup ecosystems. The stable financial sector and supportive business environment offer both financial and non-financial assistance to growing enterprises. This combination of infrastructure, policy, and innovation provides a solid foundation for the expansion of e-mobility in the region.
Obstacles in funding and implementation
On the road to a sustainable transport sector, however, there are a number of obstacles that must be overcome in Kenya as well: 1) Many mobility projects have high investment requirements. 2) Unfavorable credit conditions often limit access to finance, and the leading financial institutions tend to be located in larger cities – meaning that they are more difficult for rural entrepreneurs to reach. 3) Policies and regulations are complicating implementation, as evidenced in importing, manufacturing and operating mobility services, as well as charging infrastructure and recycling.
Project
The aim of our cooperation with GIZ in Kenya is to support the further development of e-mobility through research, coaching and networking.
Five research projects on the agenda
In collaboration with social enterprises, we are conducting at least five research projects geared to improving the market testing of products and business models, anchoring value chains locally, creating jobs, and reducing emissions. The results will be disseminated through webinars and roundtables.
Coaching program with African and international experts
It’s not just research that strengthens local e-mobility ecosystems. The program also brings entrepreneurs together with stakeholders, financial institutions and coaches in order to support the development of sustainable mobility solutions. We are establishing a coaching program with a panel of African and international experts from relevant sectors.
E-mobility research
Siemens Stiftung has already published three reports on the topic of e-mobility in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa.
Stakeholder networks
In addition, we are promoting networks between entrepreneurs, financing partners, associations and protagonists in the ecosystem. Two major events and several roundtables are planned that will provide opportunities to share experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Climate finance and emissions trading
As Kenya advances its e-mobility sector, tapping into global carbon markets presents a strategic opportunity to amplify the sector’s impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating emissions trading and climate finance into their operations, e-mobility enterprises can unlock financial incentives that drive sustainable growth. To support this, we offer trainings focused on essential aspects of emissions trading, climate finance, and relevant reporting standards. They equip entrepreneurs with the critical knowledge and skills needed to successfully navigate global carbon markets, positioning them to seize these opportunities while advancing Kenya’s sustainable transport objectives.
New Report: “Unlocking The Growth Potential of Kenya’s E-Mobility Sector”
Our new study analyzes Kenya’s e-mobility sector and the challenges faced by impact enterprises. The report, developed in collaboration with GIZ, provides recommendations on policy, production, financing, and training to support growth in this area.
As part of the first R&D call in 2023, three projects were selected, led by five Kenyan enterprises. These projects are designed to address key challenges in the sector, ranging from sustainable last-mile transport to battery recycling and affordability. These research projects will unfold over the course of 12 to 15 months, with insights and findings shared through webinars, conferences, and comprehensive study reports to benefit the entire e-mobility ecosystem.
eWaka Mobility Limited
Enviroserve Kenya
Ecobodaa, Kiri EV and Transboda
Second R&D Call: Now open!
Siemens Stiftung and GIZ are looking for 3-5 Kenyan enterprises to conduct research and development (R&D) projects for up to 12 months. The aim is to develop effective market-based solutions and increase the social and ecological impact of e-mobility. The contract value ranges between 30.000 and 50.000 USD for individual applications and up to 70.000 USD for joint applications.
Partners
Collaboration with the e-mobility ecosystem
Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven (Managing Director GIZ), Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary (State Department of Transport Kenya), H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid (African Union Commission), Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator, Regional Director for Africa (UNDP), Kathryn Mumbua Muthoka (Consultant Siemens Stiftung) and facilitator Moses Nderitu, CRO Business Development & Regulatory Affairs (BasiGo) at the launch of the project during the African Climate Summit 2023.
© GIZ GmbH
Contact
Head of E-Mobility Program
Marah Köberle
marah.koeberle@siemens-stiftung.org
Advisor in Kenia
Mumbua Kathryn
kathryn.mumbua.ext@siemens-stiftung.org
