KEBS Imposes Deadline on 2017 Vehicle Imports to Strengthen Compliance, Safety

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced a deadline for the importation of second-hand vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier, underscoring its commitment to enforcing the country’s eight-year vehicle age limit policy.

In a public notice, KEBS stated that all such vehicles must arrive in Kenya by December 31, 2024.

Any vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier that arrive after this date will be barred from entry and deemed non-compliant with national standards, the agency warned.

The directive affects not only commercial importers but also returning residents, diplomatic staff, and members of the public.

“Only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose year of first registration is from January 1, 2018, and later shall be allowed into the country effective January 1, 2025,” read the notice, citing clause 2.5 of KS 1515:2000, which governs the eight-year age limit on imported vehicles.

Additionally, KEBS emphasized that vehicles from countries with its approved inspection agencies, such as Japan, the UAE, the UK, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa, must be accompanied by a certificate of roadworthiness issued by a recognized inspection company.

The bureau’s enforcement aligns with government efforts to promote the local automotive assembly industry and enhance road safety.

By limiting the importation of older vehicles, the policy seeks to curb the dumping of outdated, less-safe cars in the Kenyan market.

“This measure supports the growth of local manufacturing while ensuring our roads are populated with vehicles that meet modern safety and environmental standards,” KEBS stated.

Non-compliance, KEBS warned, will result in penalties and costs borne by importers, including the rejection of non-compliant vehicles at ports of entry.