Monicah Mwalo never planned to join the electric vehicle (EV) industry. In fact, her entry into e-mobility happened by chance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, she was already working in engineering, but a shift in roles introduced her to EVs, and she has never looked back since.
Today, as a Production Manager at Roam Electric in Kenya, Monicah oversees the assembly and quality control of electric motorcycles in Kenya.
Her day-to-day work includes everything from planning production workflows and optimizing operations to managing teams and leading special initiatives like the Roam Air assembly event, where students got to build an electric motorcycle from scratch.
What excites her the most about working in e-mobility is that “It helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner transportation,” she said in a conversation with The Kenya Times’ Kwama Joy.
However, more importantly, Monicah sees the sector as a catalyst for job creation for women and the youth, reduced carbon emissions, and progress in the fight against climate change.
Also Read: Electric Vehicles in Africa: What is Needed to Grow the Sector
Gender Gaps in the EV Industry
Despite her many achievements, Monicah acknowledges that the path has not been smooth, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Monicah believes that the biggest challenge women in the industry are facing is the limited representation and mentorship.
“There are still very few women in the EV and clean energy space. With fewer female role models, it is harder to navigate career growth compared to male counterparts,” she says.
And it is not just about women. Monicah points out that a general lack of awareness about EVs, especially in rural areas, remains a huge barrier.
“Many men and women in these regions don’t even know what electric mobility is.”
“We need more awareness and sensitization in schools, universities, and communities. Both government and private sector players must be involved in promoting e-mobility.”
To navigate the challenges, Monicah learned to depend on gaining technical skills and building expertise.
“This helped me earn respect in leadership and technical roles,” she explains.
How Monicah is Designing for Impact
One of Monicah’s proudest achievements is designing a locally made, affordable EV product.
“It’s reliable, built in Kenya, and has the potential to transform lives while contributing to greener transport,” she says.
The Engineer encourages young women eyeing a future in clean energy to invest in themselves above everything else.
“Don’t shy away from engineering, energy systems, or battery technology. Stay updated on EV trends and sustainable solutions, knowledge is power.”
The Road Ahead for EVs in Kenya
Looking into the future, Monicah sees significant growth for Kenya’s e-mobility sector.
Over the next 5 to 10 years, she hopes for an increased adoption because of the rising cost of fuel and the need for climate-friendly alternatives.
However, she knows that the journey will not be easy because of the limited public awareness of EVs, despite the technological advancements
“EVs are becoming a cost-effective solution, especially for public transport,” she notes.
Monicah is especially excited about battery swapping technology, which allows users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, and solid-state batteries that ensure longer ranges and faster charging.
Additionally, Monicah is encouraged by policy support in Kenya and government measures like reduced import duty for EVs and support for local assembly, although she believes that more needs to be done.
“We need to support local manufacturing and battery production to lower costs and create jobs.
“And we must provide training and funding for women and young entrepreneurs to enter the EV space.”
A Gender-Inclusive Future
Monicah’s vision for the next decade is to have more women in leadership and technical roles in the energy and EV industries, backed by policies that promote gender diversity.
“Women have a central role to play in shaping the future of clean transportation. We need more inclusive spaces, mentorship, and intentional policy to get us there.”
As the world accelerates toward a cleaner, greener future, Monicah is ensuring that Kenya and women are not left behind.
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