MOMBASA, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced that the first 100,000 electric vehicles imported into Kenya will be exempt from import duty, as the government accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels amid ongoing global energy market volatility.
Speaking during a live address from State House Mombasa on Friday, the President said the tax incentive will apply to both public service and privately imported electric vehicles as part of a broader strategy to reduce Kenya’s exposure to fluctuating global oil prices.
“I’m also making a declaration that the first 100,000 electric vehicles to be imported into Kenya, whether for public service or private use, will be duty free,” Ruto said.
He added that the government is engaging private investors to establish electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly plants in Kenya, positioning the country as a regional hub for clean mobility and green technology.
At the same time, the President disclosed that the government has already procured 3,000 electric vehicles through the Ministry of Interior for use by security and administrative units.
Ruto said the shift toward electric mobility is part of a long-term plan to shield the economy from recurring global fuel shocks and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
“We must embrace electric vehicles as a first step,” he said, noting that the government is also scaling up investment in renewable energy, modern public transport systems, and energy security infrastructure.
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The Head of State further revealed that Kenya, in collaboration with East African partner states and the private sector, is advancing plans to commercialise oil reserves in Turkana and other parts of the region.
He said the initiative also includes developing a regional refinery to strengthen energy self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external supply chains.
“The government of Kenya, working together with our East African partner States and the private sector, is determined to bring into production our oil reserves and resources in Turkana and across the region, alongside the development of a regional refinery to reduce our vulnerability to disruptions beyond our control,” Ruto said.
He added that Kenya is simultaneously expanding renewable energy capacity, electric mobility infrastructure, and modern transport systems to ensure long-term energy resilience for future generations.
