Advancing Gender Equity in Kenya’s E-Mobility Industry
Kenya’s emerging e-mobility sector offers a promising pathway toward sustainable transportation and economic development. Leveraging its ample renewable energy resources, the country is positioned to become a leader in electric vehicles and related technologies. However, despite these opportunities, women remain significantly underrepresented in this transformative industry. Addressing this gender gap is crucial for ensuring inclusive growth and maximizing the sector’s benefits for all citizens.
Recognizing this need, Coventry University in the UK has launched impactful initiatives aimed at empowering women within Kenya’s dynamic e-mobility landscape. Through research collaborations and capacity-building programs, the university is committed to fostering gender equality, supporting women entrepreneurs, and promoting inclusive innovation in Kenya.
Understanding the Challenges for Women in Kenya’s E-Mobility Sector
The e-mobility sector in Kenya is still in its nascent stages, but signs of rapid growth are evident. Women involved in this industry often face numerous barriers, including cultural expectations, limited access to technical education, and scant opportunities for leadership roles. Globally, women constitute only about 20% of e-mobility workers, and in Kenya, that figure drops even further to approximately 4%, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Many women in Kenya are already contributing significantly across the e-mobility value chain—working as drivers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and educators. Their efforts are vital in sectors like food delivery, tourism, and public transit. Yet, their full participation remains hindered by systemic obstacles such as limited access to finance, training gaps, and societal biases around gender roles.
Coventry University’s Strategic Approach to Women’s Empowerment in Kenya’s E-Mobility
Led by Associate Professor Esin Yoruk, Coventry University’s project seeks to transform the representation of women in Kenya’s electric mobility space. This British Council-funded initiative, in collaboration with the African Centre for Technology Studies and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, aims to generate practical solutions through research, policy influence, and skills development.
Key activities include assessing the barriers women face, developing tailored training programs, and advocating for inclusive policies. Such programs target enhancing women’s technical competencies, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling women to ascend into leadership roles within the sector.
Building Skills and Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya
One core component of Coventry’s initiative involves designing and piloting training programs that equip women with skills necessary for technical roles, managerial positions, and business ownership. For example, women entrepreneurs operating in food delivery or tourism are gaining recognition and funding to expand their ventures. The project emphasizes creating accessible pathways into engineering, sales, and management for women of diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, the research documents women’s roles across the e-mobility value chain, from maintenance and sales to policy advocacy. By highlighting their contributions, Coventry aims to reshape perceptions and create more opportunities for women to thrive in this sector.
Policy and Business Practice Innovations for Inclusive Growth
The insights gained from Coventry’s research are crucial for informing both national and international policies on sustainable transportation. The project’s goal is to influence government and industry decisions by demonstrating the socioeconomic benefits of gender-inclusive practices.
Furthermore, the project encourages private sector actors to adopt more equitable employment practices, such as targeted recruitment and leadership development programs for women. These efforts contribute to the broader goals of Kenya’s climate strategies and gender equality commitments.
The Broader Impact of Coventry’s Work on Global and Local Development
Coventry University’s commitment extends beyond Kenya. The university’s initiatives reflect a broader vision of fostering inclusive urban mobility and promoting diverse innovation ecosystems worldwide. Supporting women entrepreneurs not only accelerates Kenya’s climate and economic goals but also serves as a model for other countries seeking to balance technological progress with social equity.
Through these efforts, Coventry University contributes to shaping policy frameworks that prioritize gender equity, technological accessibility, and sustainable growth—principles critical for building resilient, inclusive economies.
Take Action: Join the Movement for Inclusive E-Mobility Development
If you are interested in supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment in emerging sectors like e-mobility, consider engaging with programs offered by Coventry University or similar organizations. Whether as an aspiring entrepreneur, policymaker, or researcher, gaining insights and skills in this field can help drive positive change.
Explore educational opportunities, participate in research collaborations, or advocate for inclusive practices in your community. Together, we can ensure that Kenya’s e-mobility sector benefits everyone, regardless of gender, and contributes to a more sustainable future.
For more information on Coventry University’s projects and programs supporting women in technology sectors, visit our research project page.
