Britam Unveils EV Insurance As Kenya Accelerates Shift To Green Mobility

Britam General Insurance has launched a dedicated insurance cover for electric vehicles (EVs) in Kenya, a move that underscores the growing momentum behind the country’s transition to clean mobility.

The product, which caters to fully electric cars, hybrid models, and even privately used electric motorcycles, positions Britam among the first insurers to respond directly to the risks and opportunities of the emerging EV market.

Kenya has set an ambitious target for EVs to make up five percent of all new vehicle registrations by 2025, according to the government’s draft National e-Mobility Policy. Although still in its infancy, the local EV market is expanding at a remarkable pace. Registrations grew from just 2,694 units in 2023 to 5,294 in 2024, and had already reached 9,047 by May 2025, a 150 percent year-on-year increase.

Electric Motorcycles dominate this growth, accounting for nearly 90 percent of Kenya’s EV fleet. 7.1 percent of all new motorcycle registrations in 2024 were electric, almost double the 3.6 percent recorded in 2023.

Britam’s EV cover is designed to address some of the most pressing concerns of EV owners, including the high cost of batteries and limited repair infrastructure. A key feature is the Battery Protect Cover Extension, which ensures the most valuable component of an EV, the battery and electric motor system. The package also includes cover for personal charging equipment and an “out-of-charge” recovery service that tows stranded vehicles to the nearest charging station.

“This EV insurance cover shows how Britam innovates to meet evolving customer needs while supporting sustainable transport,” said James Mbithi, CEO and Principal Officer at Britam General Insurance. “By providing tailored EV insurance, we are contributing to a low-carbon future while helping the market scale responsibly.”

Beyond EV-specific risks, the policy incorporates Britam’s standard motor insurance benefits, including protection against accidental damage, theft, fire, flooding, political violence, and terrorism. Customers will also have access to courtesy vehicles, road rescue, and excess protection. Premiums have been structured to remain affordable, with flexible options for lump-sum or monthly instalment payments.

The launch also reflects Britam’s wider commitment to sustainability. At its Nairobi headquarters, the insurer has already installed three EV charging stations with six charging ports, alongside a solar carport powered by 183 panels.

Kenya is uniquely positioned to benefit from the global EV transition. The country’s electricity grid is one of the greenest in Africa, with more than 90 percent of power generated from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, and hydro. This makes charging EVs significantly cleaner compared to markets reliant on fossil-fuel-based power. To accelerate adoption, the government has also introduced incentives, such as reducing excise duty on EV imports to 10 percent, offering VAT exemptions, and proposing preferential tariffs for charging infrastructure.

Still, challenges persist. Limited charging infrastructure, insufficient technical skills for servicing EVs, and the need to scale local vehicle assembly remain hurdles. Yet Kenya has emerged as a continental leader, ranking seventh in Africa for EV adoption, with electric buses and boda-boda conversions already in pilot stages.

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Written by Menya Mwambeu