By Timothy Albrite
In order to import a vehicle into the country, there a regulations that should be followed to ensure that you do so legally.
In light of these, regulations, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a notice to all importers of used or secondhand motor vehicles, including returning residents, diplomatic staff, and the general public, in accordance with clause 2.5 of 1515:2000, focusing on the eight-year age limit requirement.
The notice states that Starting January 1st, 2024, only right-hand drive motor vehicles with a first registration from January 1st, 2017, or later will be permitted for entry into the country.
This is in adherence to the KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles for vehicles exported to Kenya.
Vehicles arriving from countries where KEBS has established inspection agencies—namely Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa—must be accompanied by a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ), the inspection entity contracted by KEBS.
Certificate of roadworthiness (CoRs) for vehicles registered in 2016 will cease to be valid after December 31st, 2023. To comply, vehicles with these certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination/Entry by the specified date. Any vehicle registered in 2016 or earlier that arrives after this deadline will be rejected, and the expenses will be borne by the importer.
This notice has seen dealers with vehicles manufactured in 2016 en route to Kenya, rush to ensure their vehicles arrive on time. Failure to which, they will be locked out of the 1st January deadline.