From port to road, the journey of an electric vehicle in Kenya

Before an electric vehicle reaches a Kenyan road, its journey begins in a shipping container at the Port of Mombasa.

Inside are components that will eventually be assembled into a working vehicle. Kenya registered 39,324 electric vehicles in 2025, up from about 1,400 in 2022, according to government figures.

At Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), Kenyan technicians turn those imported parts into vehicles, installing the motor, battery and high-voltage systems before a series of safety and performance tests.

"Once the vehicle is done on the assembly line, we move it to the end-of-line where we have different testing operations... The vehicle is then taken for road tests, just to confirm that it's fit for shipping to the customer." Victor Langat, AVA's Head of Innovation and Technology, said.

AVA assembles different Chinese EV models: Joylong, Henrey, Golden Dragon and King Long. The technology comes largely through Chinese partnerships, while the assembly process is giving Kenyan workers new technical skills. 

"Starting the EV line has been a good thing for the Kenyan workers. We are doing technology transfer. We have trainings internally, and the trainings from our OEM and our partners. This ensures that the skills are transferred to Kenyans in relation to handling high-voltage systems, system integration to integrate various components that make up an EV vehicle. And also software integration, testing, flushing, and calibration. And we also train them on quality systems and end-of-line testing," Daniel Moki, AVA’s Chief Operating Officer, said.

But the industry is still operating below its potential. AVA's EV line has an annual capacity of 8,000 vehicles but is currently running at 27% of that volume.

For drivers who have made the switch, lower running costs are part of the appeal. Taxi driver Mandela Varios says he has driven his electric vehicle to Mombasa, Migori and Kisumu, recharging along the way. When going to Mombasa, Varios charges his vehicle at Voi, a distance of 329 kilometers from Nairobi. Nairobi to Mombasa is 484 kilometers. When going to Migori, he charges at Kisii,  a distance of 306 kilometers from Nairobi. Nairobi to Migori is 378 kilometers. When going to Kisumu, he charges at Naivasha, a distance of 91 kilometers from Nairobi. Nairobi to Kisumu is 355 kilometers.

Charging demand is rising with the fleet. Kenya Power recorded an 188% increase in electricity consumption by the e-mobility sector in 2025. But the cost of buying an EV remains a barrier.

"EVs, globally, have high acquisition costs, and in Africa, the costs are even higher." Kuria Karanja, Business Development Executive at Moja EV Kenya Limited, said.

The Kenyan government launched its National Electric Mobility Policy in February 2026, with measures intended to support adoption, local assembly and charging infrastructure. 

For drivers who still rely on petrol and diesel, however, questions remain over availability, charging and performance on difficult roads.

"Electric vehicles are not easily available in Kenya. And according to my job, the terrain also, we need powerful, at least powerful vehicles, normally the fuel vehicles." Julius Yego, a fuel-vehicle driver, said.

He also pointed to charging infrastructure as a concern, saying the charging points are still difficult to find.

From the port to the assembly line and finally to the road, Kenya's electric vehicle industry is taking shape. But its expansion will depend on more than assembling the vehicles. Price, charging infrastructure and the needs of drivers will determine how far that journey goes.