The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has rolled out new rules directing the importation of motor vehicles into the country.
In a notice to importers on Tuesday, November 26, KEBS said the rules will take effect in January 2025. Under the new directive, only Right-Hand-Drive (RHD) motor vehicles first registered on or after January 1, 2018, will be allowed for importation into Kenya.
“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 1″ January 2018 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1ª January 2025,” KEBS said.
Additionally, vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515.2000- Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles.
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Vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency like Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa shall be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR).
The CoR is issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS
According to KEBS, the Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2017 will not be valid after December 31, 2024. Vehicles issued with such certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination/Entry by 31 December 2024.
“Any vehicle registered in 2017 or earlier, arriving after December 31, 2024, will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected at the importer’s expense,” KEBS said.
The new directive is inline with KEBS mandate to offer among other services, quality inspection of imports based on Kenya Standards or approved specifications under the Standards Act, Cap. 496, Laws of Kenya.
