Kenya’s used-car import business is headed for a major shift after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) issued a new directive that will take effect at the start of 2026.
The agency has announced that the country will only allow right-hand drive vehicles first registered from January 1, 2019 onwards, marking a firm enforcement of the eight-year age limit that has always been part of Kenya’s inspection rules.
KEBS released the notice on Monday, November 17, 2025, saying the move is guided by the Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, known as Ksh 1515:2000, and by the legal framework that governs the verification of imported goods.
The agency said the reminder was necessary because many importers were still shipping in older cars near the cut-off period, which often leads to costly disputes at the port.
“Pursuant to the provision of Ksh 1515:2000 Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, and Legal Notice No.78 of 28th April 2020 The Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards of Imports Order, we wish to notify all importers of used or second-hand motor vehicles and the general public that, in observance of clause 2.5 of Ksh 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 2019 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1st January 2026,” part of its statement read.
The clarification affects everyone involved in the trade, car dealers, private buyers, returning residents bringing back personal vehicles, and even members of the diplomatic community.
KEBS noted that vehicles must also pass the standard inspection procedures before leaving their country of origin. In countries where Kenya has approved inspection agents, such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom, every car must carry a Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ), the contractor mandated to perform the checks.
KEBS went further to settle concerns about vehicles registered in 2018. The bureau said that certificates issued for those cars will only be valid until December 31, 2025, and any unit arriving after that date will automatically be rejected.
“Further, 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. 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 at the importer’s expense.”
Behind the tough language is a long-running push to keep unsafe and ageing vehicles off Kenyan roads. KEBS has been tightening enforcement over the last few years, especially as some importers attempt to manipulate registration documents to beat the age limit.
The stricter cut-off is also expected to improve road safety, reduce maintenance burdens for car owners, and lower emissions from outdated engines that no longer meet modern environmental standards.
The agency has previously warned that motorists should expect closer scrutiny of documents at the ports as it works to reduce fraud involving altered logbooks and tampered chassis details.
Part of the reason the latest notice has been issued early is to give importers enough time to adjust their orders, since most used cars coming from markets like Japan are bought months in advance.
Leave a comment