Kenya Rolls Out Green Number Plates for Specific Vehicles

Kenya’s Green Number Plates for electric vehicles have been launched as a large-scale implementation of a Government policy that aims to accelerate Kenya’s Transition to Cleaner Transport.

Promoting Electric Vehicles as a key component of Kenya’s Climate Change Strategy and Mobility Vision will be achieved by the Ministry of Transport as part of their ongoing effort to meet their commitment.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, February 3, during the official launch of the national e-mobility policy framework.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the new plates will be mandatory for all electric vehicles, signalling a clear visual distinction between zero-emission vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels.

Addressing the gathering, Chirchir underscored the symbolic and regulatory importance of the new plates, stating, “Like I mentioned in my earlier remarks. This will be the new kid in town. All the electric vehicle number plates will now be green, registered in green.”

The announcement drew attention to the government’s intention to mainstream electric mobility across the transport sector.

Immediate Implementation of New Plates

The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the changes take effect immediately and apply across the board to all categories of electric vehicles.

The move, he said, is aligned with Kenya’s broader climate commitments and efforts to cut emissions from the transport sector, which remains a major source of urban pollution.

Reinforcing the environmental rationale behind the decision, Chirchir added, “So we will be launching the green number plate for all the electric vehicles. This will be the signature for those of us supporting the reduction of carbon footprints.”

The green reflective plates will be mounted on both the front and rear of electric vehicles, allowing for easy identification on the roads.

Also Read: CA Revokes Licenses of 29 Courier and Transport Companies [FULL LIST]

Promoting Electric Mobility

The Chief Executive Officer of Kenya’s Ministry of Transport, urged motor vehicle drivers to switch to electric vehicles during a speech given to delegates at the Kenya International Electric Vehicle Expo in Nairobi, stating that electric vehicles offer long-term affordability, energy savings, sustainability benefits, and reduced dependence on imported fuels.

The ministry has assured owners of conventional vehicles their existing reflective number plates will remain valid; however, this does not mean the government does not have plans to phase out gasoline-powered automobiles by 2030, as part of Kenya’s decarbonization plan.

Also Read:Cooking Fuel Firm KOKO to Officially Shut Down Operations in Kenya

Now Functional with Delays

At first the green plate system was to be available as part of implementation in 2024.

This date was to come under the oversight of Kipchumba Murkomen, while he was the relevant minister.

However, it took many more months of delays until this date arrived under the stewardship of Chirchir.

With green plates being operational, from now on electric vehicles will get green plates to see they are part of the group of cars that create no emissions during operation.

The government believes the new green plate system will enhance public confidence in e-mobility, assist with implementing regulations in areas related to e-mobility, and further strengthen Kenya’s position in the region for being the leader in sustainable transport.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir Holding The Electric Vehicles Green Number Plate. PHOTO/ File