Landlords will be required to reserve special slots for electric car chargers in new law
In response to the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need to support sustainable transportation initiatives, lawmakers are increasingly turning their attention to policies aimed at promoting the adoption of electric cars in Kenya. One such measure gaining traction is the requirement for landlords to allocate designated spaces for electric car chargers in new legislation. This move represents a significant step towards enhancing the infrastructure necessary for widespread EV adoption, addressing concerns about charging accessibility for residents in multi-unit dwellings.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the government has introduced a proposed construction code that mandates owners of malls, factories, gated communities, and apartment buildings to allocate a minimum of five percent of their parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The National Building Code of 2024 outlines requirements for commercial buildings and multi-unit residential properties to include provisions for electric car charging ports.
“An owner of a commercial building or multi-dwelling unit shall designate at least five percent of the parking spaces for charging electric vehicles,” reads the Code.
“The parking spaces referred to in sub-paragraph (1) [above] shall be clearly marked and be equipped with charging infrastructure installed in accordance with IEC 62196 (Plugs, sockets-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets – conductive charging of electric vehicles),” adds the Code, which shall come into operation one year after its publication.
The announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development and was officially documented in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 36 on February 20, 2024.
This mandate will impact various types of commercial properties, such as shopping malls, manufacturing facilities, complexes, hospitals, and petrol stations, which typically experience significant vehicular activity.
The trend toward electric vehicle ownership has been gaining momentum as part of the transition to e-mobility, driven by the declining appeal of internal combustion engines (ICE) and the escalating cost of fossil fuels.
Information from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reveals that the quantity of electric vehicles (EVs) and motorcycles in Kenya rose by 729 units between February and June of the previous year, reaching a total of 2,079, reflecting the growing preference for EVs.
