The transport sector is responsible for approximately 67% of Kenya’s energy-related CO2 emissions (2015) and currently accounts for 11% of the country’s total emissions (2022). The sectoral target, as communicated in Kenya’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is to reduce 3Mt CO2e by 2025 and 4.7 Mt CO2e by 2030. Road transport accounts for 98% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport according to the latest GHG inventory (2015). Accelerating the introduction of zero emission vehicles thus holds significant mitigation potential. Kenya’s State Department of Transport and GIZ are working together to improve the regulatory framework supporting energy efficiency of vehicles in the country through the Introducing Measures, Pathways and Roadmaps for Optimizing Vehicle Efficiency and Electrification (IMPROVE) project.
Kenya’s transport sector is developing dynamically. While the majority of trips in urban areas are still made on foot or by bicycle, car and motorcycle ownership is increasing rapidly. A privatised public transport system of minibuses, called matatus, serves Kenya’s cities and inter-city links. To improve public transport services and reduce emissions, several development partners are working to develop a mass rapid transit system for the Nairobi metropolitan area. Electric mobility is another priority mitigation measure for the Ministry of Transport.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the in cooperation with GIZ’s Promotion of Electric Mobility in Kenya project aims to enhance the regulatory environment and scale the use and charging of electric vehicles and promote mutual learning around the key challenges and opportunities identified.
