Simba Corporation, a leading name in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing and sales industry, has delivered the first all-electric Mahindra XUV400 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to Kenya Power. As the environmental capital of the world, this delivery marks a significant step in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility.
Speaking on the significance of the delivery, David Mugambi, Head of Transport at Kenya Power, said: “This marks an important milestone in our EV journey, which started close to eight years ago with the transition to electric material handling equipment at our yards and warehouses.”
The two electric vehicles are part of six acquired by Kenya Power this year. The corporation plans to further expand its fleet to nine electric vehicles and 25 electric motorcycles by December 2024.
“In light of environmental concerns and our need to be carbon neutral, reducing emissions within the transport space is crucial,” Mugambi added. With over 92 percent of its energy generated from green sources, Kenya Power boasts one of the cleanest energy distributions globally.
With an estimated 2,100 EVs currently on the road, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, Kenya is emerging as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Africa. Naresh Leekha, Group Managing Director of Simba Corporation’s Motors Division, expressed the firm’s commitment to Kenya’s EV journey.
“Simba Corporation has always been at the forefront of bringing innovative products to the Kenyan automobile market. Today, we have delivered the first two Mahindra XUV400 SUVs to Kenya Power, one of the first customers to embrace the Mahindra Electric SUVs in Kenya,” said Leekha.
Kenya’s readiness to transition to EVs is supported by its substantial clean energy capacity. The country’s current installed capacity of 3,246 Megawatts (MW) is well above the peak demand of 2,300 MW and an off-peak load of 1,100 MW as of December 2023.
“We have adequate energy to power the electric mobility space for the next five years when we expect at the current rate to outstrip our current demand,” explained Mugambi.
Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its diverse portfolio of clean energy sources, including geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. The country is home to the largest geothermal power plant in Africa, the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, which contributes significantly to its green energy mix. Additionally, the Lake Turkana Wind Power project, the largest wind farm in Africa, further strengthens Kenya’s renewable energy infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with global environmental goals and promises economic benefits by reducing reliance on imported fuel and enhancing energy security. “This transition could also help reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life in Kenya by utilizing local energy sources,” noted Mugambi.
