Kenya projects importing approximately 20,000 electric vehicles every year to meet growing demand and reduce the burden of using fossil fuels, according to a report released on Thursday.

The Kenya Economic Report 2023, issued by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), a government think tank, said the initiative of importing more electric vehicles would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which has contributed to a higher cost of living.

KIPPRA noted that the 19,952 units would constitute 5 percent of the approximately 400,000 imported vehicles in the country, the majority of which are motorbikes.

"This will result in more electric vehicles, leading to an increased number in the country. Based on this policy direction, this will comprise 5,375 electric motor vehicles, 14,260 electric motor and autocycles, and 317 electric 3-wheelers," KIPPRA said.

According to the think tank, the adoption of electric mobility is an innovative way to reduce the burden of fossil fuels and make a positive contribution to lowering transportation costs and thus the cost of living.

Inflation in Kenya dropped to 6.7 percent year-on-year in August from 7.3 percent a month earlier, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The Kenyan government has set a preferred inflation band of 2.5 percent to 7.5 percent for the medium term. The decline was attributed to a drop in the prices of food items, while fuel inflation remained high.

KIPPRA observed that having affordable, reliable and efficient transportation reduces transport-related costs across many economic sectors.

It said the adoption of electric mobility speeds up the transition to a low-carbon energy system necessary for affordable and sustainable transportation. By promoting electric mobility, Kenya can acquire a competitive advantage in new technologies and export them to other countries.