Govt's Warning to Car Importers Ahead of December 31st Deadline

Hello and welcome to the Money Weekly Newsletter, where we cover the latest directive on the importation of used vehicles into the country.

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Govt's Warning to Car Importers Ahead of December 31st Deadline

The Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced that only used vehicles first registered from January 1, 2019, will be allowed into the country from January 1, 2026.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, November 18, KEBS advised importers and the general public that vehicles registered in 2018 must arrive in the country by December 31, 2025.

The agency maintained that the affected vehicles that arrive in the country after the deadline will be rejected at the importer’s expense.

“Only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose year of first registration is from 1st January 2019 and thereafter shall be allowed into the country, effective 1st January 2026,” KEBS announced.

The latest directive is in line with the Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards of Imports Order, which sets an 8-year limit for vehicles imported into the country.

The eight-year rule also covers returning residents and diplomatic staff.

Equally, KEBS directed that vehicle imports from countries where KEBS has inspection agencies, including Japan, UAE, UK, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa, must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ).

“The Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2018 will not be valid after 31st December 2025. All vehicles issued with such certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination/Entry by 31st December 2025,” read the notice in part.

“Any vehicle registered in 2018 or earlier, arriving after 31st December 2025, will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected.”

Data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that Kenyans import an average of 7,000-9,000 units a month. Most of the cars imported into Kenya are mainly from Japan.

Here is a quick recap of the top news stories on the mobility industry for the week:

• Digital taxi drivers to earn more after the Ministry of Transport directed app companies to adopt improved rates. Drivers will earn Ksh33.1 per kilometre for vehicles up to 1050cc, up from Ksh22, and Ksh36.8 for 1051–1300cc cars, up from Ksh26 — an increase of about 50 percent.

• E-mobility firm Roam introduces a fast charging system for light electric vehicles with a range of 10-20 kilometers in under five minutes. 

•  MojaEV Kenya Limited announces plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Mombasa by 2026

• NTSA to retest motorists flagged for breaking traffic laws during the festive season.

• Govt to dual 21 roads, including Magadi Road from Bomas to Kiserian.

Catch Up on More Stories

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That’s a wrap for this week’s Money Weekly!

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