By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Garissa(Mogaidshu24)-The Government of Kenya has launched electric motorbikes in an effort to enhance Kenya’s climate change action by adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems.
During the launch of the national e-mobility program at Mama Ngina waterfront in Mombasa, Kenya, President William Ruto expressed the government’s commitment to embracing innovative, environmentally friendly energy technologies
He emphasized that this approach would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lead to more affordable transportation and stimulate the growth of the electric vehicle industry.
President Ruto pointed out that the majority of vehicles in the national fleet consist of two and three-wheelers, commonly used by individuals with limited financial resources.
“The adoption of electric mobility is a priority intervention to address the challenges of pollution,” President Ruto said.
He emphasized that transitioning to electric mobility is a top priority to combat pollution and improve air quality. “Electric bikes are cheaper to operate than petrol-powered ones,” he said.
The President assured motorcycle (boda boda) operators that the shift to e-mobility would substantially increase their income, stating that its cost-effectiveness of electric bikes compared to traditional petrol-powered ones.
President Ruto also revealed the government’s intention to phase out motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines while affirming Kenya’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“We remain firmly on course to meet the pollution reduction targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. We are also taking decisive steps in our shift to zero-emission transportation,” he added.
The government of Kenya has also set measures to prevent and reduce road accidents that have become rampant in recent months.
“As a ministry, we have established a task force to develop policy, laws, and regulations on E-Mobility. We are also keen to promote safety considering that the Bodaboda accidents are currently the lead cause of death in the road accidents,” said Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport.
The event was attended by several government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria, Kipchumba Murkomen, Aisha Jumwa, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, MPs, MCAs, and other leaders.
This comes three months after President Ruto on Madaraka Day (Independence Day) announced Kenya’s transition to electric motorbikes.
“By 1 September, we will have ordered 10,000 electric motorcycles and will increase to 100,000 by December. We will subsidize the charging stations costs for riders to pay Sh8 down from Sh20,” President Ruto announced.
