E-mobility efforts sustained in Kenya
A testament in sustainable E-mobility realized as EV Explorers unveils the first Electric vehicle for Kenya’s Rhino Charge competition:
Did you know that the Belgian Embassy in Nairobi is fully solar and green-energy powered and possibly the only fully green-powered diplomatic institution in Kenya and the whole of Africa? That fact was revealed by Peter Madden, the Belgian Ambassador to Kenya on April 30th, 2025 at a Nairobi hotel during the unveiling of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Explorers project that has involved the manufacture of an EV vehicle that will debut in the Rhino Charge motoring competition starting on May 31st in Kenya.
The unveiled and evidently very sturdy vehicle marks a pioneering moment for sustainable mobility in extreme conditions. Further, the initiative advances the use of EVs beyond conventional roads and into some of Kenya’s most challenging terrains — all in support of critical conservation efforts led by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. This milestone marks a first for the Rhino Charge and a proud moment for local EV innovation which will also help in reducing the adverse impact of GHGs I(Green House Gases) from fuel fumes.
The EV Explorers project is a child of VALAR, Base Titanium and Africa Practice and with Africa Practice Kenya MD, Richard Kiplagat leading the team. Nick Fowley is thelead engineer who led a team of 10 local engineers and technician in the project. According to Nick the project started in 2023 and has produced a robust vehicle that has a 61Kwh battery that enables 180km travel per full charge or 6 hour drive equivalent. Some of the Project main sponsors include the KCB Foundation; Fowleys EA; L. Turkana Wind Power; M-Pesa ; GEF (Gulf Energy Fuels); Africa Bridge Fund; AXUM; Ken Gen and Maxxis TWL. The sponsors’ collective support reflects growing momentum for climate-smart innovation across sectors.
As one of the chief guests at the event, Madden proudly expounded that greening of the embassy and birth of the greening mentality (Green Mindset) started in October 2023 in Nairobi. The greening initiative includes harvesting, wherever possible, of all rain water and the generation and use of biogas at the embassy. “All our buildings and structures including the car park are fitted with solar panels,” asserted Madden.
The annual Rhino Charge —
Notably, the Rhino Charge was mooted and founded in 1989 by Ken Kuhle, founder of Rhino Ark, and rally enthusiasts Rob Combes and Brian Haworth to raise funds for the Aberdare (Forest) Electric Fence construction. The first event, held on February 4, 1989, attracted 31 competing vehicles and with Travers Allison in a Suzuki Jeep emerging victorious.
Guests at the event heard that since its inception, the annual Rhino Charge has raised over K Sh 2.4 billion (B) to support Rhino Ark’s conservation work. To date, the Trust has built 780 kilometres (kms) of electric fences, protecting over 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict. The Aberdares, Mount Kenya, and the Mau Forest — the three mountain ecosystems (Water Towers) where Rhino Ark operates — collectively provide yearly ecological services to Kenya worth K Sh 412 B.
Electric mobility:
This is gaining prominence in Kenya due to supportive government policies, lower operating costs, increased awareness, and heightened environmental consciousness. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report FY 2023-2024, progress has been driven by several key policy interventions. These include the introduction of a special e-mobility tariff, reduction of excise duty on electric vehicles from 20 to 10 per cent and exemption of VAT (Value Added Tax) on fully functional electric cars.
Speaking during the launch event, Africa Practice Partner and EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat expressed pride of the first team to attempt the Rhino Charge with a Zero emissions vehicle. “It is clear that climate change and conservation are linked and we wanted to raise awareness and funds with this in mind. We thought a zero emissions car was a great way to show what is possible and to bring some new excitement to our entry,” Kiplagat asserted.
According to Eng. Nick, proving that electric vehicles can endure the toughest conditions is only the first step. “The true opportunity lies in how this breakthrough can inspire a new generation of innovation — in vehicle design, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure. Kenya has the talent and ambition to lead this transformation, and initiatives such as EV Explorers. This can help in catalyzing the investment, collaboration, and ingenuity needed to accelerate progress,” affirmed Nick
The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust:
The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust Deputy Executive Director Gloria Waswa confessed that the Rhino Charge has always challenged teams to adapt, innovate, and respect the landscapes. “We, essentially, seek to protect and our welcoming of the first electric vehicle into this competition marks a natural evolution of that spirit — where technology is not only a tool for endurance, but also a platform for conservation leadership. As we look to the future, it is clear that sustainable innovation will be critical in protecting Kenya’s ecosystems while enabling communities to thrive,” Waswa observed.
Evidently, Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has taken significant steps to promote electric mobility, including the rollout of the Kenya National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy (2020), which targets a 5 per cent annual increase in electric vehicle imports. Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable transport by signing the COP26 declaration to accelerate the transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. These efforts, combined with ongoing investments in charging infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks, are creating an enabling environment for innovations like EV Explorers to thrive.
Remarkably, the EV Explorers is making history as the first electric vehicle (EV) team to compete in the legendary Rhino Charge – a bold move towards de-carbonizing transport, showcasing African innovation, and proving electric mobility can handle even the toughest terrain.
- A first for Rhino Charge – Introducing electric propulsion to one of the world’s toughest 4×4 events, proving sustainable tech can go the distance.
- Driving conservation forward – Competing in support of Rhino Ark, helping fund vital conservation efforts in Kenya.
- Championing innovation – Backed by visionary sponsors including Africa Practice, Base Titanium, Valar and Axum, the team is pushing the boundaries of EV potential in Africa.
- More than a race – Join the Journey and become part of a movement—from the EV’s build to race day and beyond.
Notably, Rhino Ark is a charitable trust established in 1988 to respond to the grave threat facing Kenya’s Black Rhino population in the Aberdare ecosystem. Originally formed to help the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) finance a protective fence around the Aberdare’s Eastern Salient, Rhino Ark’s mission evolved into constructing a 410-kilometre electric fence encircling the entire Aberdares Forrest Conservation Area. Completed in 2009 and formally commissioned in 2010 by the late President Mwai Kibaki, the fence has successfully curbed poaching, safeguarded wildlife, and reduced human-wildlife conflict with neighboring farming communities
Today, Rhino Ark’s work has expanded beyond the Aberdares to support the conservation of other vital mountain forest ecosystems, including Mount Kenya, Kakamega, the Mau and Mount Eburu. The organization’s focus remains building sustainable, long-term solutions that protect Kenya’s critical water towers, preserve biodiversity, and promote peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.
Meanwhile, Africa Practice is a mission-led strategic consulting firm advising investors, development partners, policymakers, and change-makers across the continent. For over 20 years, we have been partnering with global organizations to mobilize capital, unlock value, and drive sustainable, equitable development.
“Operating at the nexus of industry and government, we deliver insights and advocacy solutions that enable our partners to see more clearly, engage with confidence, and catalyze transformative impact. Our mission is to shape a prosperous Africa that inspires the world,” explains a bulletin from the company. Ends……
