The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has notified all second-hand car importers that all vehicles registered in 2017 will not be allowed into the country after December 31, 2024.

In a notice, KEBS advised importers that all vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier must arrive in the country before the deadline to avoid penalties at the point of entry.

The move, according to KEBS, also affects returning residents, diplomatic staff and the general public.

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 January 1, 2018 and later shall be allowed into the country effective January 1, 2025,” the notice read in part.

Further, vehicles imported from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency shall be accompanied with a certificate of roadworthiness by an inspection company.

These countries include Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore and South Africa.

By Fred Azelwa