The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued new rules directing the importation of used motor vehicles into the country.
In a notice on Thursday, November 13, KEBS said the rules will take effect in January 2026. Under the new directive, only Right-Hand-Drive (RHD) motor vehicles first registered on or after January 1, 2019, 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 1st January 2019 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1st January 2026,” KEBS said in a statement.
Additionally, vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515.2000- Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles.
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.
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The CoR is issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS.
According to the bureau, Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles first registered in 2018 will no longer be valid after December 31, 2025. Any vehicle manufactured in 2018 or earlier that arrives in Kenya after this date will be considered non-compliant and rejected at the importer’s expense.
All importers, traders, or sellers bringing in vehicles without a CoR are directed to validate key documents, including logbooks, export certificates, and deregistration certificates.
“To ensure that all vehicles imported into Kenya without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) meet this requirement at destination, it is important for the importers, traders or sellers to validate the import document with a reliable and authorised database,” KEBS added.
The guidelines are part of the government’s efforts to enhance road safety standards and curb the growing importation of older vehicles, which tend to produce higher emissions, thus failing to meet environmental and mechanical safety thresholds.
