Kenya's national e-mobility programme, launched by President William Ruto on September 1, 2023, has led to a significant increase in the adoption of electric motorcycles, also known as e-boda bodas. According to the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK), approximately 64,840 electric motorbikes have been registered from 2023 through mid-2026. This growth is attributed to the benefits of electric motorcycles, including reduced operating costs and lower maintenance.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reported a 143.01 percent increase in electricity consumption by electric mobility, rising from 5.04 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the previous year to 12.25 GWh by June 2026. This increase is attributed to the growing uptake of the e-mobility tariff, with the number of e-mobility customers rising from 115 to 543 during the period. The growth in electric mobility is seen as a positive trend, with potential benefits for the environment and the economy.
Morrice Kasamu, an electric motorcycle rider in Nairobi, switched from a fuel-powered motorcycle to an electric one in 2024, citing the idea of swapping batteries instead of refueling as his main motivation. Kasamu believes that the battery swapping model, which allows riders to trade an empty battery for a fully charged one at a local swapping station, is a cost-effective option. This model has enabled him to save money and reduce his daily operating costs.
Afrikaners Omar Odimba, a boda boda rider along Kilimani area, also switched to an electric motorcycle, citing high fuel prices as his main motivation. Omar says that the electric boda has provided him with an opportunity to earn a living through self-employment, with the potential to make around Ksh. 2,500 per day. However, he notes that limited swapping stations, mostly located in Nairobi, Machakos, and Ngong, can make longer trips difficult.
Cyrus Kuria, an electric motorcycle rider based in Ngong town, has noticed a difference in what customers say about electric motorcycles. He says some passengers have expressed a preference for the quieter and smoother ride compared with conventional motorcycles. Kuria attributes the increase in his customer base to the lower operating costs of the electric motorcycle, which allows him to accept longer-distance requests without incurring much loss.
Despite the growing popularity of electric motorcycles, fuel-powered boda bodas still dominate the roads in Kenya. James Melusori Lukumai, a boda boda rider, prefers fuel-powered motorcycles and has no plans to switch to an electric one. He cites the convenience of fuel stations and his preference for manual operations as reasons for his choice. Job, a young rider along Yaya Center in Nairobi, also prefers fuel-powered motorcycles, citing the freedom to travel for entertainment and take road trips.
The adoption of electric motorcycles in Kenya is expected to continue growing, driven by the benefits of reduced operating costs and lower maintenance. However, the limited availability of swapping stations and the high upfront costs of electric motorcycles may hinder the growth of the sector. As the number of e-boda riders increases, there will be a need for more battery-swapping stations and longer-lasting batteries to meet the growing demand.
Key points
- Electric motorcycles have been registered in Kenya, with over 64,840 units registered from 2023 through mid-2026.
- The growth in electric mobility is driven by the benefits of reduced operating costs and lower maintenance.
- Limited swapping stations and high upfront costs may hinder the growth of the electric motorcycle sector in Kenya.
