NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious push toward electric mobility, announcing that the first 100,000 electric vehicles imported into Kenya will be duty-free as the country battles soaring fuel prices triggered by a global oil crisis.
The announcement came as Ruto addressed the nation from State House, Mombasa, following consultations with transport sector stakeholders over the escalating fuel crisis that has pushed the cost of living sharply upward.
Ruto said Kenya must reduce its long-term dependence on imported fossil fuels and shield itself from future global oil shocks.
“This crisis is also a reminder that Kenya must never remain permanently vulnerable to external oil shocks and conflicts happening thousands of kilometres away from our borders,” the President said.
The Head of State revealed that the government was accelerating investments in renewable energy, electric mobility, modern public transport and energy infrastructure to build a more resilient economy.
As part of the transition, the government has already ordered 3,000 electric vehicles through the Ministry of Interior for use by security and administration officials.
Ruto said Kenya was also seeking investors to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plants locally.
The move comes against the backdrop of a severe global energy crisis linked to conflict in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.
According to the President, global fuel prices have surged significantly since the escalation of tensions involving Iran earlier this year.
The rising prices have affected transport costs, businesses, farming operations and household budgets across Kenya.
Ruto defended his administration’s response, saying the government had spent KSh 28.19 billion in fuel stabilisation measures and tax relief interventions over the last two fuel pricing cycles.
The government also reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent to cushion consumers.
Despite the interventions, the President acknowledged that many Kenyans were struggling with higher transport fares and rising commodity prices.
He, however, insisted that leadership required balancing immediate relief with long-term economic stability.
“Every nation facing this crisis is being forced to make sacrifices,” Ruto said.
The President further revealed that Kenya was exploring the development of regional oil refining capacity and production of oil resources in Turkana in partnership with East African states and the private sector.
He maintained that Kenya had sufficient fuel supplies under the Government-to-Government fuel importation arrangement and urged citizens not to panic.
Ruto also appealed for calm and unity, warning against violence and misinformation during the crisis.
