With global warming posing a significant threat, especially to developing countries like Kenya, China though still a developing nation has shown its peers that it is possible to change the narrative and global order when it comes to combating climate change.
As the People’s Republic of China marks its 75th anniversary, it has demonstrated to the world that it is possible to pursue an independent development path and succeed on many fronts, something that has exposed the vulnerabilities of the so-called “big boys.”
Many countries have set ambitious goals to achieve zero emissions by 2050 under the United Nations Paris Agreement. China, meanwhile, has set its own target for 2060. Despite this later target, Beijing has emerged as a leader in the fight against global warming.
China has shown resilience and commitment, and its economy, which is on an upward trajectory post-pandemic, has become the leading producer of electric vehicles. Although some attempt to challenge China due to the “big boys’ syndrome,” the entry of Chinese manufacturer BYD into the Kenyan market demonstrates that the Asian economic powerhouse is prepared to help Kenya modernize its transport system and combat global warming.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 electric vehicles, including two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger, and commercial vehicles. The arrival of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers comes at a time when the Kenyan government is seeking to further accelerate e-mobility, allowing the country to utilize excess capacity during off-peak periods, such as at night when cheap renewable energy often goes unused.
For decades, China has had a sibling-like relationship with Kenya, and it has played a key role in the country’s economic rejuvenation. There is no doubt that Beijing will continue to walk side by side with Nairobi, helping the East African economic powerhouse achieve some of its goals, such as revolutionizing the transport system.
China’s influence in various sectors in Kenya, whether in roads, railways (such as the flagship Standard Gauge Railway and Nairobi Expressway projects), hospitals, or solar energy, is highly visible and significant.
Under the spirit of win-win cooperation, Kenya and China can continue to strengthen their partnerships, particularly in the transport sector. This would help Nairobi increase its fleet of electric vehicles, a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and aligning itself with the United Nations Paris Agreement.
Through enhanced cooperation between Nairobi and Beijing, Kenya can learn from China’s experience and expertise in greening its transport sector, thus contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals.
Kenya has also created a conducive environment for electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD by introducing various incentives. These include the introduction of an e-mobility tariff, the reduction of excise duty on electric vehicles from 20 percent to 10 percent, and the exemption of fully electric cars from Value Added Tax (VAT). With the longstanding relationship between China and Kenya, based on building a community with a shared future, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers can leverage these incentives and collaborate with corporations like Kenya Power and KenGen to increase the number of electric vehicles in Nairobi.
Globally, various government policies and stricter emissions standards have fast-tracked the adoption of electric cars. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 14 million electric vehicles were sold in 2023, and it is projected that 17 million will be sold by the end of this year, representing a 20 percent increase. China is now a global leader in electric vehicles, accounting for more than half (58 percent) of all new electric cars sold worldwide, despite facing opposition from those who see themselves as global leaders.
China is committed to pursuing higher-standard development and sharing its electric vehicle technology with African countries like Kenya. This aligns with the 2025-2027 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan.
During the FOCAC summit, President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion and announced 10 areas of partnership with African countries. One of these areas was green development initiatives, including clean energy and disaster mitigation projects. If implemented, these initiatives could positively impact African economies.
Although the US and EU have announced plans to ban Chinese electric vehicles, Kenya should capitalize on this global dynamic and pursue its own agenda. Kenya, despite being one of the countries most affected by climate change, emits far less than major polluters.
President William Ruto has consistently advocated for both carbon taxes and carbon credits, stating that they have the potential to provide African nations with the resources needed for climate change mitigation, though these resources remain underdeveloped and untapped.
Earlier this year, Kenya was hit hard by floods that killed 315 people, injured 188, and displaced many more. Modernizing Kenya’s transport sector, with the help of development partners like China, could help the country mitigate the effects of climate change. However, there remains a need for larger carbon emitters to take greater responsibility
The Writer is a Journalist and Communication consultant
