CS Lee Kinyanjui urges shift from imported oil, backs electric mobility push
By Faith Lagat, April 16, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has called for accelerated adoption of electric mobility as Kenya seeks to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum, amid concerns over fuel price volatility following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) April 2026 review.
Speaking during an interview on April 16, 2026, Kinyanjui noted that fluctuations in global fuel prices have widespread effects across the economy, influencing sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education and transport.
He said the government is focusing on mitigation measures to cushion consumers and businesses from external shocks.
Fuel price impact and economic concerns
Kinyanjui said fuel price increases have cascading effects across multiple sectors of the economy, with transport costs influencing production and service delivery nationwide.
He noted that while global market forces are beyond Kenya’s control, domestic strategies can help reduce vulnerability.
“An increase in fuel has the unintended consequence of affecting almost every other sector, from agriculture to tourism to education, anything you can imagine,” he said.
He added that reducing reliance on imported petroleum is necessary to stabilize key sectors and improve long-term economic resilience.
Electric mobility and transport transition
The Cabinet Secretary pointed to ongoing efforts to promote electric mobility as part of Kenya’s broader energy transition strategy. He noted that Nairobi currently has the highest number of electric buses in East Africa, reflecting growing adoption of electric public transport.
He also highlighted capacity at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) assembly plant in Thika, which produces between 20 and 30 electric buses per month, while demand has exceeded 100 units, indicating strong market uptake.
“These are the real conversations that we think will be useful so that we can reduce our dependence on imported oil,” Kinyanjui said.
He observed that Kenya remains heavily exposed to global oil market disruptions, particularly due to reliance on imports from politically unstable regions.
Energy mix and policy direction
Kinyanjui noted that concerns about electricity costs affecting electric bus operations are mitigated by Kenya’s energy structure, which is largely based on renewable sources including geothermal, hydro, wind and solar, accounting for about 90 percent of generation.
He said this reduces exposure to global fuel shocks compared to fossil fuel-dependent systems, supporting the case for expanded electric vehicle adoption.
His remarks align with government updates presented before the Public Accounts Committee, where Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira stated that electricity tariffs are expected to remain stable despite fuel market fluctuations.
Recent EPRA data showed fuel price adjustments in Nairobi, with Super Petrol and Diesel initially increasing before a subsequent downward revision following tax changes.
The push for electric mobility is also linked to local manufacturing initiatives, including assembly partnerships for electric buses in Thika, aimed at supporting industrial growth and reducing import costs.