The United Kingdom has expressed anger over Kenya’s decision to ban importation of second hand vehicles.
This ban was set to go into effect on July 1, 2022. However, it is yet to come into effect after the High Court issued a suspension pending the hearing and determination of a court case against the ban.
“The UK side has formally raised some queries on changes in regulations for used vehicles. That will become part of the discussions in the EPA Council,” Betty Main, the cabinet secretary for Industrialization and Trade said.
She pointed out that the protest by the United Kingdom on the ban will be addressed Kenya-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council.
“That [EPA Council route] is a fairly normal instrument for review of export numbers and experiences between the two countries.”
The ban had been announced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) through a list.
In the list of vehicles KEBS had banned included used mini-buses, double-decker, and large buses into the country.
According to KEBS, the ban was aimed at promoting uptake of locally assembled and fabricated ones in a move that will grow the local industry.
KEBS also said that the ban was in line with declaration of KS1515:2019 – Road Vehicles – Inspection of Road Vehicles – Code of Practice that was signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise
“However, used passenger Microbus of up to seven meters overall length shall continue to be imported into the country provided they are not older than eight years from the year of first registration,” said KEBS.
Additionally, diesel and petrol-fueled vehicles would only be imported into the country with its approval.
Safaricom shuts down Two Rivers Mall shop
The agency added that these vehicles must meet the EURO IV/4 emission standards that are intended to limit the emission of nitrogen oxide into the environment with potential buyers advised to seek clarification.
“Importers and members of the public are encouraged to buy the standard from the KEBS library or online through KEBS webstore at www.kebs.org to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the standard,” KEBS said.