A few days ago, I found myself in an electric vehicle (EV) in Nairobi. The usual roaring of engines and honking of matatus filled the air, but inside the bus carrying me, there was an unexpected sense of calm. No vibrations, no engine noise just the quiet hum of the car gliding through traffic.

All along, I had been wondering why leaders have been urging people to shift to EVs. However, from that ride, I finally understood what a city with more electric vehicles could feel like—cleaner, quieter, and more peaceful something that has long been a vision for this country. Stepping out of that bus, I was more convinced than ever that Kenya must accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

But why do we need this transition? Kenya is at a crossroads in its transportation sector. Though the country has been looking for ways to reduce the impact of the transportation sector on the environment, our reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles has led to worsening air pollution, rising fuel costs, and unbearable noise pollution because of the never-ending roar of diesel and petrol engines.

If we adopted EVs, all these challenges might come to an end. The air quality in Nairobi, for instance, has been deteriorating due to exhaust emissions from the increasing number of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Studies have linked these pollutants to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even premature deaths.

Shifting to electric vehicles is a good move because unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs do not emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter that contribute to poor air quality. Cleaner air means fewer respiratory diseases, improved overall public health, and reduced healthcare costs.

Apart from that, EVs also promise economic relief. Fuel prices have been a persistent burden on Kenyan households and businesses. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EVs rely on electricity, which is not only cheaper in the long run but also allows for integration with Kenya’s growing renewable energy sector, such as geothermal and solar power.

Kenya has made significant strides in clean energy production, with over 90 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric power. By leveraging this clean energy to power EVs, Kenya can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and play a role in mitigating climate change.

Moreover, Kenya imports a large percentage of its fuel, putting pressure on the economy. Widespread EV adoption could significantly reduce the country’s dependence on fuel imports, freeing up resources for other critical development sectors. The transition to EVs also presents job creation opportunities in battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure development, and EV maintenance services.

Noise pollution is another overlooked challenge that EVs can help address. In a city like Nairobi, where honking and revving engines dominate the streets, EVs could bring about a much-needed shift towards quieter and more livable urban spaces because they are significantly quieter, creating a more peaceful and livable cityscape.

Though it is evident that currently Kenya lacks the infrastructure to support EV adoption, especially the charging network, which is still in its infancy, efforts are already underway to address this challenge. Startups and energy firms are investing in charging stations across the country.

Additionally, home charging solutions and battery-swapping stations are being considered as an alternatives for early adopters.

With all these benefits, it is now time for the government to invest in EV-friendly policies such as tax incentives, reduced import duties on EVs, and the development of more charging stations to accelerate this transition.

They also need to prioritise the development of EV infrastructure, while businesses and investors should seize the opportunities presented by this emerging industry. At the same time, Kenyans must be open to embracing EV technology and pushing for a future where transportation is both sustainable and efficient.

— The writer is a Science Reporter with People Daily and PD Wikendi; [email protected]