Piloting and Prepare to Scale E-Mobility in Kenya
A strong ecosystem for sustainable transport
E-mobility is playing a significant role in transforming the growing transportation sector in a sustainable, long-term manner. Sub-Saharan countries in particular, however, face major challenges, such as limited access to reliable power grids and a lack of financing. Kenya has all the potential to lead the way. The government is relying on renewable energies and promoting sustainable transport, while the power grid is well developed. Together with GIZ, Siemens Stiftung is committed to supporting the development of local e-mobility solutions in Kenya.
By comparison with neighboring countries, Kenya offers a favorable environment for the electrification of the transport system. A total of 70% of the population has access to a reliable power grid. The government has set a target of harnessing 100% of electricity from renewable sources – with 5% of all imported vehicles to be electric – by 2025. At the same time, one of Africa’s most advanced ecosystems for e-mobility startups is on the growth track in Kenya. The financial sector is stable and businesses benefit from financial and non-financial support.
Obstacles in funding and implementation
On the road to a sustainable transport sector, however, there are a number of obstacles that must be overcome in Kenya as well: 1) Many mobility projects have high investment requirements. 2) Unfavorable credit conditions often limit access to finance, and the leading financial institutions tend to be located in larger cities – meaning that they are more difficult for rural entrepreneurs to reach. 3) Policies and regulations are complicating implementation, as evidenced in importing, manufacturing and operating mobility services, as well as charging infrastructure and recycling.
The aim of our cooperation with GIZ in Kenya is to support the further development of e-mobility through research, coaching and networking.
Five research projects on the agenda
In collaboration with social enterprises, we will be conducting at least five research projects geared to improving the market testing of products and business models, anchoring value chains locally, creating jobs, and reducing emissions. The results will be disseminated through webinars and roundtables.
Coaching program with African and international experts
It’s not just research that strengthens local e-mobility ecosystems. The program also brings entrepreneurs together with stakeholders, financial institutions and coaches in order to support the development of sustainable mobility solutions. We plan to establish a coaching program with a panel of African and international experts from relevant sectors.
E-mobility research
Siemens Stiftung has already published three reports on the topic of e-mobility in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa.
Stakeholder networks
In addition, we are promoting networks between entrepreneurs, financing partners, associations and protagonists in the ecosystem. Two major events and several roundtables are planned that will provide opportunities to share experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Climate finance and emissions trading
As it provides financial incentives for CO2 savings, emissions trading is an effective instrument for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable mobility solutions in Kenya also stand to benefit from the development of the global emissions trading market. In order to tap this potential, we will be offering training disseminating knowledge and know-how on emissions trading, climate finance and other reporting standards.
The project is being implemented jointly with GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH as part of the German Climate Technology Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Siemens Stiftung has been actively working with social enterprises and organizations in the e-mobility sector in Kenya since 2019. This project is also based on cooperation with our ecosystem.
Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven (Managing Director GIZ), Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary (State Department of Transport Kenya), H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid (African Union Commission), Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator, Regional Director for Africa (UNDP), Kathryn Mumbua Muthoka (Consultant Siemens Stiftung) and facilitator Moses Nderitu, CRO Business Development & Regulatory Affairs (BasiGo) at the launch of the project during the African Climate Summit 2023.
Training on Human-Centered Design
Siemens Stiftung offers professionals and entrepreneurs in the field of electric mobility in Kenya the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Human Centered Design and to take part in a 3-day immersive training workshop.
Contact
Head of E-Mobility Program
Marah Köberle
marah.koeberle@siemens-stiftung.org
Advisor in Kenia
Mumbua Kathryn
kathryn.mumbua.ext@siemens-stiftung.org