Kenya Introduces Green Number Plates for Electric Vehicles

Kenya has introduced green number plates for electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to promote clean transport and reduce carbon emissions. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the initiative on Tuesday, February 3, during the launch of the country's e-mobility policy framework. He stated that all electric vehicles will now be fitted with green reflective plates, effective immediately.

The new plates feature a white background, with the border, letters, and numbers displayed in green to distinguish them from those used on conventional vehicles. Chirchir emphasized that the plates would serve as a clear identifier for vehicles supporting lower carbon emissions. The directive applies to every category of electric vehicle. Meanwhile, fuel-powered vehicles will continue using the current reflective plates as the government works toward reducing their numbers by 2030.

The rollout had initially been planned for 2024 under former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen but was delayed. Under the directive, electric vehicles will carry green plates at both the front and rear to clearly mark them as zero-emission vehicles. Chirchir also reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030, noting that the transport sector plays a key role in achieving this target. He urged motorists to consider electric vehicles, pointing to their lower operating costs and environmental advantages. Beyond environmental gains, he said the shift to EVs could create economic opportunities through local manufacturing, assembly, and job creation.