A policy decision made in London could soon be felt on the roads of Nairobi. The UK government has confirmed it will not bring forward a review of its electric vehicle sales targets, sticking to a 2027 timeline and potentially altering the future of Kenya's crucial second-hand car market.

This matters deeply to the Kenyan motorist. The United Kingdom is a primary source of used vehicles for Kenya, and this policy will directly shape the type, availability, and cost of cars imported into the country for the remainder of the decade. A delay in the UK's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) means a slower flow of affordable, used EVs onto the global market—a market Kenya heavily relies on.

The Ripple Effect on Nairobi's Roads

The UK's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires carmakers to sell a rising percentage of electric cars each year or face steep fines, set at £15,000 (approx. KES 2.5 million) for every non-compliant vehicle sold. After industry lobbying, the government introduced "flexibilities" to these rules and has now played down reports that it would fast-track a review of the targets, confirming preparatory work will begin next year, but the review will only be published in 2027.

This decision has a direct consequence for Kenya. A slower EV uptake in the UK means a lengthier supply of used petrol and diesel cars, which could keep short-term import prices stable. However, it also creates a significant roadblock for Kenya's own green ambitions by postponing the arrival of a much-needed supply of affordable, second-hand electric models.

Kenya's nascent EV market faces several hurdles, with the primary challenge being the high upfront cost of new electric vehicles. The country's Draft National E-Mobility Policy is a clear signal of intent, but its success hinges on the availability of cost-effective vehicles for the average citizen.

A Crossroads for Kenya's Green Ambitions

The government has already taken steps to encourage EV adoption, but the market remains a complex landscape. While the transport sector is responsible for about 72% of Kenya's petroleum imports, the transition is hampered by several factors.

• High Costs: The purchase price of an EV in Kenya can be two to three times that of a comparable petrol car, placing it out of reach for many.
• Infrastructure Gaps: A limited public charging network, concentrated mainly in Nairobi, creates "range anxiety" and discourages widespread adoption.
• Import Regulations: Kenya has its own strict import rules, including an eight-year age limit on used vehicles and a new requirement that imported EVs retain at least 80% of their original battery health.

The UK's policy slowdown adds an external complication to these local challenges. It underscores Kenya's vulnerability to international market shifts and policy decisions made thousands of kilometres away.

As London balances industry pressures with its climate goals, the outcome will directly influence the choices available in Kenyan showrooms. For a nation striving to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and clean its city air, the road to an electric future just became a little longer.