President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious plan to purchase 3,000 electric vehicles for the National Police Service, aiming to permanently eliminate the chronic excuse of “gari haina mafuta” that has frustrated Kenyans seeking urgent assistance. The announcement came during the official launch of the Kenya Police Sacco Housing Project in Ngong on Tuesday, where the head of state directly addressed one of the most persistent public complaints against law enforcement.
“Ukiomba msaada kutoka kwa polisi unaambiwa gari haina mafuta. Tutakomesha hiyo. Tutanunua magari yasiotumia mafuta 3000, ndiyo mwananchi aweze kufikiwa,” President Ruto said.
The Ruto 3,000 electric police vehicles initiative forms part of a broader green mobility strategy that includes partnerships with local assemblers and international manufacturers already operating in Kenya.
Sources within the Interior Ministry say the first batch of 500 units could be delivered by mid-2026, with charging stations to be installed at every police station nationwide. The shift to electric is expected to slash the police fuel budget by over 60 per cent annually, currently standing at Sh12 billion, while reducing carbon emissions in line with Kenya’s climate commitments.
Police officers at the event expressed cautious optimism. “We have been embarrassed too many times when telling a robbery victim that we cannot respond due to a lack of fuel.” If these electric cars come, it will restore public trust,” said a senior sergeant from Ngong Police Station who requested anonymity.
The National Police Service has faced years of criticism over delayed responses, with internal audits revealing that up to 40 percent of patrol vehicles are grounded at any given time due to fuel rationing or mechanical issues.
Industry experts hailed the move as a transformative step for Kenya’s nascent electric vehicle ecosystem. Roam, a Nairobi-based manufacturer that already supplies electric motorcycles to police units, confirmed it has submitted bids for the tender.
“We can produce 1,000 units locally within 18 months, creating 800 direct jobs in the process,” said Roam’s Chief Operating Officer Dennis Wakaba. BasiGo and Ampersand, two other local EV firms, are also gearing up for what could be the single largest electric fleet order in East Africa.
Environmental groups praised the decision as bold leadership. “Replacing 3,000 fossil fuel guzzlers with zero-emission vehicles will cut over 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and position Kenya as a continental leader in sustainable policing,” noted Greenpeace Africa’s climate campaigner.
Critics, however, questioned funding and timelines. “We have heard big promises before. The same government owes suppliers billions for existing vehicles. Where will the money come from?” Senator Okiya Omtatah said.
By sunset, police stations countrywide were already abuzz with officers debating charging shifts and range capabilities. In Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kisumu, where response times often suffer most due to long distances, the announcement was met with particular excitement.
For ordinary Kenyans long tired of hearing “gari haina mafuta” after dialling 999, President Ruto’s electric pledge offers tangible hope that help, when called for, will finally arrive on time and without excuses. As the first tenders are drafted, the Ruto 3,000 electric police vehicle plan stands as one of the most concrete steps yet toward modern, accountable, and environmentally responsible policing in Kenya.
