Kenya Power mulls phasing out fossil fuel use

Kenya Power plans to phase out vehicles powered by fossil fuel from its fleet, in favour of electric-powered ones, as the firm embraces e-mobility to disrupt the current transport system.

There has been an increased lobbying in the country for transition to clean energy, especially in the transport sector following environmental concerns and recent uptick in the cost of fuel. To this end, the power distributor has aside Sh40 million in the current financial year to purchase three electric vehicles (EV) – two pickups and one four-wheel drive – on a pilot basis in an ongoing effort to go green.

“Kenya Power intends to substantially reduce its carbon footprint by purchasing more e-vehicles in the near future, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers. We must play our rightful role to combat global warming by championing mitigation measures such as adoption of electric motorisation,” said Kenya Power’s Ag. Managing Director, Eng. Geoffrey Muli.

Long range electric cars

In the medium term, the company plans to purchase 50 long range electric bikes as part of its plan to phase out fuel-powered motorbikes within its fleet.

Kenya Power recently finished piloting 13 electric bikes in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which were being used by meter readers and revenue collection teams.

The pilot however suffered challenges of unreliable battery storage and lack of after sales service but this could be addressed as companies assembling long range e-motorbikes continue to emerge.  The industry is taking shape in Kenya whith more than 1,000 electric vehicles said to be on the roads.  Kenya Power intends to play an active role in driving the uptake of electric vehicles