Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has allowed the importation of special-purpose vehicles that are over eight years old and/or Left-Hand Drive (LHD) models subject to the fulfillment of set conditions.
In a statement, KEBS said the vehicles may only be allowed into the country on condition that the importers provide a proof of customisation and a record of serviceability.
In addition, the must provide evidence that the vehicle is no more than 20 years old from the year of manufacture.
The exemption following the coming into force of KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles on January 1 this year, which prohibits the importation and registration of motor vehicles older than eight years from the year of first registration.
KS 1515:2000 further prohibits the importation and registration of Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles.
“Details regarding the waiver requirements for the importation of special-purpose vehicles are available on www.kebs.org, and all stakeholders are advised to review and familiarize themselves with these requirements prior to initiating any importation process. All importers of special purpose vehicles are encouraged to apply for and obtain the requisite waivers before shipping the said units into the country to avoid inconveniences. Please be guided accordingly,” the KEBS statement said.
Following the coming into effect of KS 1515:200, the government banned importation of second-hand vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier.
“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,” John Mwangi, KEBS Director of Quality Assurance, said while announcing the ban last year.
Importers of vehicles from countries with KEBS inspection agencies, such as Japan, the UK, the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa, were required secure a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) from an approved service provider before bringing them to the country.
KEBS said the move was aimed at aligning the country’s vehicle inspection standards with international practices and reduce the importation of outdated and substandard vehicles.
