Editor's Review

The new law will be effected starting January 2024 to enhance strict adherence to the country's road safety standards.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has placed an embargo on importing used cars registered before January 1, 2017.

In a notice shared in MyGov publication on Tuesday, December 5, KEBS announced that only hand-drive vehicles whose first year of registration is January 2017 and later will be allowed into the country.

The new law will be effected starting January 2024 to enhance strict adherence to the country's road safety standards.

Defending the new law, KEBS noted that the standards align with the eight-year age limit imposed on the importation of second-hand vehicles.

File photo of imported cars at the Port of Mombasa. PHOTO | COURTESY

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Additionally, KEBS noted that all arriving vehicles which meet the set threshold starting January 2024 will be accompanied by a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS.

"We wish to notify all importers of used/second-hand motor vehicles, including returning residents, diplomatic staff and the general public, that in observance of clause 2.5 of KS 1515:2000 on the eight (8) year age limit requirement, only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose Year of First Registration is from January 1, 2017 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1st January 2024.

"Vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515:2000- Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles while vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency (i.e. Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa) shall be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS," read the notice in part.

KEBS warned motor dealers against violating the rule by announcing that their cars would be rejected and shipped back at their expense.

"Any vehicle registered in 2016 or earlier, arriving after December 31, 2023, will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected at the importer's expense," KEBS maintained.