Government Introduces Green Number Plates for Electric Vehicles, Motorcycles

The government has introduced an innovative program aimed at encouraging and accelerating the acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide by issuing unique license plates for these vehicles.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed plans to introduce distinct green-hued license plates for electric vehicles (EVs). The declaration was made during the unveiling of the e-mobility policy blueprint at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, March 27. 

These unique plates will be provided to drivers who own electric cars and motorcycles, signifying a significant advancement in Kenya's move towards eco-friendly transportation.

President William Ruto arrives in an MG Commet EV at KICC during the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023. 

The rollout of green license plates is a component of a wider effort outlined in the recently revealed e-mobility policy draft, designed to hasten Kenya's shift towards electric transportation. This policy encompasses a detailed plan for embracing electric vehicles, covering aspects such as infrastructure development, incentives for EV users, and strategies to boost local production and assembly of EVs. Its overarching goal is to position Kenya as a frontrunner in electric mobility across Africa, fostering a greener, more efficient, and fair transportation system driven by e-mobility.

"Special plates will help raise awareness about EVs among the general public and encourage more people to consider switching to e-mobility," Murkomen said.

He mentioned that drivers with existing license plates in varying shades of green will need to request new plates.

Presently, green plates are utilized by vehicles affiliated with county enforcement officers referred to as "kanjos."

Conversely, he mentioned that his department was introducing the new plates to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the nation, while simultaneously planning to introduce additional incentives for eco-friendly technology.


Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen displays a sample Electric Motorbike Number plate during the launch of the e-mobility policy at the KICC on Wednesday, 27th March. 

"All vehicles that are EVs will be given green number plates. Those that have been having the green one need to apply for another one. 

"We are doing this to encourage them (owners of EVs). We will also have incentives. We will talk to governors to give priority to parking spaces for Electric Vehicles which will be cheaper," the CS proclaimed.

Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary mentioned that the issuance of the number plates would commence following his formal endorsement of the required paperwork.

Moreover, he stated that the Ministry would install charging infrastructure at its headquarters to spearhead the adoption of electric vehicles. He explained that the procurement of this infrastructure would happen in the near future, suggesting that other ministries might also adopt electric vehicles.

Government data indicates that there are approximately 3,000 registered electric vehicles in the nation.

Currently, the petroleum import bill stands at Sh628.4 billion. The CS noted that the shift will significantly reduce this bill while cutting the emission of greenhouse gases.

  • The e-mobility policy will guide the development of electric mobility in all transportation modes-roads, rail, air and maritime.
Flagging of a BasiGo E-Bus on a new route operated by Super Metro in Nairobi CBD last year. 

The world is in a transition to greener and more sustainable energy sources. There is definitely an urgent need to create an enabling environment for the growth of electric vehicles in the country through a comprehensive policy framework, as the Transport Cabinet Secretary put it. 


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