Beginning January 1st 2024 all second-hand vehicles above eight years old will not be allowed in the country. This follows the new importation guidelines issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

According to KEBS, only second-hand right-hand vehicles registered in January 2017 will be cleared for entry into the country.

This means that Vehicles registered in 2016 have only until December 31st.

“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 2017 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1st January 2024.” read the statement in part.

Importers have also been called to ensure the vehicles have passed inspection from their countries of origin before landing at the docks.

“Vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles while vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency (i.e. Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa) shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS.”

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“Further, the Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2016 will not be valid after 31st December 2023. All vehicles issued with such certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination / Entry by 31st December 2023. Any vehicle registered in 2016 or earlier, arriving after 31st December 2023 will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected at the importer’s expense.”