As electric vehicles (EVs) become central to global transport decarbonization, attention is shifting to a less visible but critical question: what happens to EV batteries once they can no longer power vehicles? These batteries, though no longer fit for cars, are far from useless. In fact, they typically retain up to 80% of their original capacity, making them ideal for reuse in less demanding applications. From powering rural homes and PURE systems to stabilizing unreliable energy grids, second-life batteries (SLBs) offer immense potential. Kenya, with its rapidly expanding e-mobility sector and strong renewable energy base, is uniquely positioned to lead Africa in developing a circular battery economy.

According to the “Charging Up for Growth: Kenya’s Second-Life EV Battery Market” May 2025 report by Africa E-Mobility Alliance and ClimateWorks Foundation Kenya’s electric mobility market is growing at a remarkable pace. Between 2020 and 2024, EV registrations rose at an annual growth rate of 86%, largely driven by electric motorcycles and buses. If this trend continues, the country could have over 15 million EVs on its roads by 2050. This would generate a substantial volume of batteries nearing their end-of-first-life—equivalent to about 223 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of residual capacity, valued at KES 1.2 trillion. These batteries, if properly managed, could provide affordable energy storage across sectors and reduce dependency on new, imported systems.

Globally, countries like China, Germany, and the United States are already scaling up SLB reuse and recycling. China has instituted strict battery traceability laws and set up industrial-scale reuse programs, while the European Union now requires digital battery passports to monitor battery life and materials. The United States is offering generous tax incentives to scale up domestic recycling through policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Kenya has the advantage of learning from these models and leapfrogging outdated approaches by integrating modern, circular economy solutions into its own systems.

The local opportunity goes far beyond waste management. Second-life batteries can bring transformative value to Kenya’s energy and economic landscape. In off-grid and underserved regions, SLBs can extend access to reliable power through solar home systems and microgrids, supporting nearly 20% of the population. In agriculture, they can support solar irrigation and cold storage, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting food security. Hospitals, schools, and telecom towers can also benefit from affordable backup power, enhancing critical services and reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators.

Entrepreneurs and innovators are already taking notice. Kenyan startups like INNO-NEAT Energy Solutions AceleAfrica are repurposing EV batteries for solar installations, while companies such as Roam and BasiGo are integrating battery lifecycle management into their business models. Telecoms and commercial energy users are also experimenting with SLBs for load shifting and peak shaving. However, this innovation is still nascent, and several barriers stand in the way of scale.

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of clear policies and regulatory structures for battery reuse and disposal. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are not yet enforced for EV batteries, leaving a gap in accountability. Furthermore, the country lacks standardized protocols for handling and testing used batteries, increasing risks for technicians and the environment. Infrastructure is also a hurdle—Kenya currently has no industrial-scale battery recycling plant. As a result, used batteries are often stockpiled or dismantled informally, with little regard for safety or long-term value.

The human capital gap is equally a challenge. Kenya does not yet have a strong pipeline of skilled technicians who can assess, repair, or repurpose EV batteries. This skills shortage is compounded by low public awareness of second-life applications and limited access to financing for early-stage SLB ventures. Building a circular battery economy will require investments not only in infrastructure, but also in vocational training, technical education, and market development.

Despite these hurdles, the roadmap ahead is clear. In the near term (2025–2030), Kenya should focus on piloting SLB applications in high-impact areas such as schools, hospitals, and off-grid communities. At the same time, regulations must be updated to include EPR provisions and battery safety standards. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs should integrate battery diagnostics and repurposing curricula, supported by partnerships with international organizations.

As adoption grows, the 2030–2040 window will be crucial for scaling successful business models and building pre-processing hubs for battery sorting and dismantling. Aggregation of four-wheeler EV batteries could then enable their use in grid storage or commercial backup power systems. By the 2040–2050 period, Kenya should aim to establish regional recycling facilities—potentially anchored in the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone in Mombasa. With its port access and regional connectivity, Dongo Kundu could serve as a hub for East African battery recovery and recycling.

The long-term benefits of this transition are significant. A mature SLB market would reduce e-waste pollution, cut the cost of energy storage, and create thousands of green jobs across collection, refurbishment, and recycling. It would also help Kenya position itself as a continental leader in circular economy innovation, leveraging its strategic location and tech-savvy ecosystem to export solutions across Africa.

The time to act is now. Kenya’s EV market is accelerating, and the first wave of battery retirements is just around the corner. Policymakers must move quickly to finalize the National E-Mobility Policy with strong SLB provisions. Investors should direct capital toward startups and infrastructure projects that make circular battery use economically viable. Entrepreneurs must seize the opportunity to build resilient, green businesses that solve real-world energy challenges. Kenya has a rare opportunity to turn a looming waste problem into a transformative economic and environmental solution. By powering batteries through not just one—but two—lifecycles, the country can quite literally power its future twice.