Over the last decade, the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Kenya has experienced significant growth with the number of licensed electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles surpassing 9,000 in 2025, according to the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK).
This development of the EV sector in the country has driven the emergence of new markets and players, including electricity suppliers, charge point manufacturers, installation engineers, maintenance firms, and charging service providers, all aligned with global carbon neutrality objectives.
The Kenya EV Charging and Battery Swapping Infrastructure Guidelines 2023 outline the government’s plan for expanding charging infrastructure. The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030, with a strong focus on the transport sector, which contributes 20% of the country’s emissions.
The local charging infrastructure industry has adopted a common standard called the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol. This standard uses specific terms to describe charging infrastructure, including station location, EV charging port, and connector.
OCPI is used globally and adopted by many companies and roaming hubs to connect eMobility Service Providers (MSPs), who serve EV drivers, with Charge Point Operators (CPOs), who manage charging stations.
It allows EV drivers to access multiple charging networks using a single account, making charging easier and more convenient.
Major EV Charging Networks and Providers in the Country
Charging an EV can be a challenge in Kenya, primarily due to limited charging infrastructure, high initial costs, and concerns about grid stability.
Data from Automag, a digital platform focused on automotive news, reviews, and information, shows that there were only slightly over 100 functioning charging stations across the country as of July 2024.
To address this gap, the government, through the state utility provider Kenya Power, is working with partners to expand access to public EV charging in major cities, towns, and areas across all 47 counties.
Starting with Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta counties, Kenya Power announced a robust plan in May 2025 to install 45 electric vehicle (EV) chargers within the next year.
Additionally, KPLC will invest up to KES 258 million over the next three years to drive the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, which is projected to reach 5% of all new vehicle registrations by the end of 2025.
Several key players are also contributing to the growth of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Kenya. These include established companies like TotalEnergies, as well as emerging players such as EVChaja, EVBox, BasiGo, and Moja EV.
Charging Equipment
Charging equipment for EVs is classified by the rate at which batteries are charged. There are three different charging levels for EVs:
Level 1 Charge:
- Up to 10km of range per hour of charging
- Standard household outlet, low voltage (120V)
Level 2 Charge:
- Up to 30km of range per hour of charging
- Mid-level voltage (240V), commonly used in large appliances like dryers
Level 3 Charge:
- Over 50km of range per 10 minutes of charging
- Also known as DC Fast Charging, the fastest charging option (over 480V)
- Charges battery up to 80% in 30 minutes
What is the Cost of Establishing One EV Charging Station in Kenya?
The cost to establish a single EV charging station can range from KES 250,000 to KES 1 million or more, depending on the type of charger and installation complexity.
Level 2 charging stations typically cost between KES 300,000 and KES 1.5 million, while DC fast chargers can cost over KES 5 million.
Kenya Power has invested in pilot charging stations at their headquarters in Stima Plaza, Nairobi, with costs around KES 6.5 million for a facility that includes both fast and standard chargers.
