The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the statutory body responsible for setting and enforcing standards in the country, has issued critical updates regarding the importation of used and second-hand motor vehicles. This announcement impacts importers, returning residents, and even diplomatic staff who plan to bring vehicles into Kenya. Effective 1st January 2025, these new guidelines enforce stricter age limits for imported vehicles, aligning with the country’s focus on improving road safety, environmental standards, and vehicle quality.
As per KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, KEBS has reiterated the 8-year age limit rule for all imported second-hand vehicles. Beginning 1st January 2025, only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles whose year of first registration is 2018 or later will be allowed into Kenya. Vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier, regardless of their roadworthiness or condition, will not comply with the updated standards.
KEBS has provided a transitional grace period for vehicles registered in 2017. These vehicles can still be imported but must arrive in Kenya by 31st December 2024. Beyond this date, certificates of roadworthiness issued for 2017 models will no longer be valid, effectively barring their entry into the country. Importers are urged to ensure that all such vehicles meet this deadline to avoid penalties and rejection at the port of entry.
For vehicles originating from countries where KEBS has inspection agencies, such as Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) is mandatory. This certificate must be issued by KEBS-contracted inspection firms, notably Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ).
Vehicles without this certification or those failing to meet the required standards will be deemed non-compliant and rejected at the importer’s expense.
The 8-year limit is not arbitrary. It aligns with Kenya’s broader goals of enhancing road safety, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring that vehicles imported into the country meet modern environmental and performance standards. Older vehicles often have outdated safety features, are less fuel-efficient, and produce higher emissions, contributing to pollution and public health issues.
Moreover, this policy supports Kenya’s vision of transitioning to a more sustainable transport system, including eventual adoption of electric vehicles and cleaner technologies.
The updated regulations pose a mixed bag for stakeholders in Kenya’s vehicle importation industry. Here’s how different groups will be affected:
1. Individual Importers
Private individuals, including returning residents and diplomatic staff, need to plan their purchases carefully to avoid falling foul of these regulations. The cost of compliance—such as obtaining a Certificate of Roadworthiness—will remain a factor in their decision-making.
2. Car Dealerships
Dealers specializing in imported vehicles may experience a reduction in supply for older, more affordable vehicles. As a result, they might have to pivot toward sourcing newer models, potentially increasing the average price of imported vehicles for Kenyan buyers.
3. Shipping and Logistics Firms
Shipping firms will need to align their schedules and delivery timelines with the KEBS deadlines to avoid penalties or loss of cargo. Vehicles that fail to arrive by the deadline face rejection, resulting in losses for both the importer and the shipping company.
KEBS also highlighted its Anti-Bribery Management Policy, emphasizing that importers must verify the authenticity of KEBS quality marks. This can be done through the KEBS Official Mobile App or by texting specific permit or registration numbers to 20023. This initiative ensures transparency and accountability in the inspection process.
To avoid disruptions, KEBS advises importers to:
- Plan Ahead: Ensure that vehicles meet the 8-year age requirement and obtain the necessary certification well in advance.
- Use Authorized Inspection Agencies: Work with KEBS-approved agencies like QISJ to guarantee compliance.
- Monitor Shipping Schedules: Vehicles registered in 2017 must arrive in Kenya no later than 31st December 2024 to avoid rejection.
Kenya remains one of the largest markets for used vehicles in Africa. Over 80% of vehicles on Kenyan roads are second-hand imports, primarily sourced from Japan. While these vehicles provide affordable mobility solutions for many, their growing numbers have raised concerns about congestion, emissions, and road safety.
The government’s policies, including the enforcement of age limits and mandatory inspections, are designed to address these issues. However, balancing affordability for consumers and the need for higher standards remains a delicate act.
With just over a year before these updated regulations take full effect, importers, dealers, and other stakeholders must act swiftly to adapt. The message from KEBS is clear: compliance is non-negotiable, and failure to adhere to the standards will result in significant penalties. For those looking to import vehicles into Kenya, now is the time to double-check documentation, ensure compliance, and prepare for a smoother transition into 2025.
