Electric vehicles are quietly reshaping Kenya’s transport sector, and the biggest push is not coming from private motorists but from drivers who rely on their vehicles to earn a living.
New data shows ride-hailing platforms have become one of the strongest drivers of electric mobility in the country.
Nearly a quarter of all electric vehicles currently operating in Kenya are linked to Bolt. Out of an estimated national EV fleet of 24,000 vehicles, about 5,808 are active on the platform, highlighting how app-based transport is accelerating the shift away from petrol and diesel.
Industry players say commercial use is giving electric vehicles a clear advantage. EVs used for ride-hailing clock more kilometres each day than privately owned cars, allowing drivers to offset purchase costs faster while saving on fuel and maintenance. model is also exposing thousands of passengers to electric transport, helping normalise EV use in everyday travel.
Bolt East Africa Senior General Manager Dimmy Kanyankole said the rapid growth shows the transition is already underway.
“The launch of the E-Mobility Policy provides important regulatory clarity for a transition that is already taking place on the ground,” she said.
She added that access remains a key factor in scaling adoption.
“Ride-hailing platforms are playing a critical role by improving access to electric vehicles through partnerships with financial institutions that allow drivers to acquire EVs more affordably,” Kanyankole said.
“By combining income-generating use with lower operating costs, ride-hailing is helping electric vehicles reach scale much faster than private ownership alone.”
Bolt EV
The expansion of Kenya’s EV market has been largely powered by electric motorcycles, which have grown rapidly from just a few hundred units in 2022 to thousands today.
These bikes dominate urban transport and delivery services, making them a natural fit for platform-based mobility models.
Government figures show Kenya’s total EV fleet has grown sharply over the past three years, supported by tax incentives on electric vehicles and components, as well as growing interest from private investors and lenders.
The recently launched National Electric Mobility Policy is expected to further boost adoption by supporting charging infrastructure and offering clearer rules for the sector.
As cities grapple with congestion, fuel costs and air pollution, ride-hailing platforms are emerging as a practical entry point for electric mobility. With higher usage rates and structured financing, EVs used for commercial transport are proving that the transition to cleaner mobility in Kenya is not just theoretical, but already happening on the road.
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