Kenya Waives Import Duties for First 100,000 Electric Vehicles

President William Ruto declared on May 22 that electric vehicles will be temporarily exempt from import duties.
Speaking at State House in Mombasa, the Kenyan leader announced that the initial 100,000 electric vehicles entering the country, whether for public or private purposes, will not incur import charges.
“I am declaring that the first 100,000 electric vehicles to be brought into Kenya for either public or private use will be free of import duty,” stated the president.
The initiative, according to President Ruto, seeks to promote renewable energy investments, expand electric mobility options, and enhance energy security infrastructure to benefit future generations.
Additionally, the president highlighted that the government has procured 3,000 electric vehicles through the Ministry of Interior for security personnel and administrative staff to use.
President Ruto emphasized securing Kenya’s future energy requirements, mentioning ongoing efforts to develop oil resources in Turkana and surrounding regions, as well as plans to create a regional refinery in partnership with East African nations and private sector investors.
Despite volatility in worldwide fuel markets, President Ruto assured citizens that Kenya’s fuel supply remains dependable through the Government-to-Government arrangement, which ensures consistent shipments from global suppliers.
According to him, these measures target both immediate energy challenges and the development of a more robust and self-reliant energy sector in Kenya.