Murkomen Fronts Proposal To Replace All Govt Vehicles With Electric

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government plans to phase out all its vehicles using fuel products such as Super Petrol and Diesel in favour of electric vehicles.

Speaking during the launch of the e-mobility policy at KICC on Wednesday, March 27, Murkomen revealed that the move would prove to spare taxpaying Kenyans from footing billions of shillings to maintain and fuel the vehicles.

"We are taking to the Cabinet a proposal for a phased fleet replacement programme for all GoK vehicles from internal combustion engines to EVs.

"This will, in the long run, save taxpayers billions of shillings on fuelling and other maintenance costs, not to mention the immense environmental benefits that come from the shift," he stated in part.

The move would set the tone for the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles as the government would be taking the lead in the adoption of EVs on their vehicular fleet.

Murkomen spoke as he also introduced green-coloured number plates that will be issued to motorists who own electric vehicles as well as those who own electric motorcycles.

However, this will mean that motorists who currently have number plates that are coloured in different shades of green will have to apply for new number plates.

Currently, only county enforcement officers known as kanjos have vehicles possessing green number plates.

"To promote faster adoption of EVs, we have begun the process of assigning green-coloured number plates to all electric vehicles, including two-wheelers.

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

Murkomen explained that the number plates were being introduced to help in the easier identification of electric vehicles and motorcycles on the road.

He termed the shift to EVs as one that significantly cuts emissions of greenhouse gases while reducing the petroleum import bill, currently standing at Ksh628.4 billion. It will also promote local manufacturing and create jobs.

"Because of this, there is an urgent need to create an enabling environment for the adoption of electric vehicles. This includes creating a comprehensive policy framework," he continued.

Murkomen alongside his Investment, Trade and Industry counterpart Rebecca Miano, unveiled the Draft National Electric Mobility Policy that is ready to go for public participation. 

The policy, which will guide the development of electric mobility in all transportation modes – roads, rail, air and maritime – will provide a transition framework from the internal combustion engine now in use. 

To achieve this, the government would partner with the private sector, international investors, and academic institutions to build the necessary infrastructure.

Murkomen also stated that the Ministry would install some charging systems at his Ministry headquarters so that his docket could lead to the uptake of electric vehicles.

An electric car being charged at a charging station. /KENYAN WALLSTREET