The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced a ban on the importation of second-hand vehicles registered in 2017, effective January 1, 2025. Importers have until December 31, 2024, to ensure these vehicles arrive in Kenya, as any vehicles registered in 2017 arriving after this deadline will be rejected.
This directive aligns with the Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles (KS 1515:2000), which limits the importation of vehicles to those not exceeding eight years from the date of first registration.
“In compliance with Kenya Standards, we are enforcing the eight-year age limit on all used motor vehicles entering Kenya. This is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring better-quality vehicles on our roads,” stated John Mwangi, KEBS Director of Quality Assurance.
From January 1, 2025, only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2018, will be allowed into the country. This regulation applies to all importers, including returning residents, diplomatic staff, and the general public.
To strengthen compliance, KEBS has introduced stricter certification requirements. Vehicles originating from countries with KEBS-approved inspection agencies—such as Japan, the UK, the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa—must obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) from these agencies. KEBS clarified that CoRs for vehicles registered in 2017 will remain valid only until December 31, 2024.
KEBS emphasized that importers would bear the costs of any rejected vehicles arriving after the deadline. “We urge all importers to ensure they comply with the updated regulations to avoid unnecessary delays and losses,” Mwangi added.
Importers are advised to adhere to the new regulations to avoid costly delays and rejections at the port of entry.
