Kenya Bans Import of Used Cars Registered Before 2019 in Major Policy Shift
Effective January 1, 2026, Kenya will no longer allow the importation of used motor vehicles first registered before 2019, a move that could transform the country’s multibillion-shilling second-hand car market.
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 13, by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), which stated that only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles registered from January 1, 2019, onwards would be permitted into the country.
“Pursuant to the provision of KS 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/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 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,” KEBS said in a statement.
The authority said the policy aligns with efforts to enhance road safety standards and reduce the environmental impact of older vehicles, which are more likely to produce higher emissions and fail mechanical safety thresholds.
Vehicles registered before 2019 have a limited window to enter the country. KEBS confirmed that only vehicles arriving at Kenyan ports by December 31, 2025, with a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) will be allowed. Any car registered in 2018 or earlier that fails to meet the deadline will be rejected at the importer’s expense.
“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 – including Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa – shall be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ), which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS,” the statement added.
The COR process requires a thorough mechanical inspection of a vehicle, including brakes, engine, steering, suspension, and other critical components, as well as verification that the registration and documentation match the inspection records.
This latest directive is part of a series of government measures to tighten car import regulations, following a recent cap on vehicles manufactured before 2018.
Industry analysts suggest the policy could benefit local vehicle assembly plants, which face stiff competition from cheaper imported used cars. In addition, the move encourages the use of newer, safer, and more fuel-efficient vehicles, contributing to broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce emissions.
“The implementation of the eight-year age limit is a positive step towards modernising Kenya’s vehicle fleet,” said a motor industry expert who requested anonymity. “It is expected to protect consumers from older, potentially unsafe vehicles, while also supporting local manufacturing and reducing environmental risks.”
The government’s announcement is likely to reshape the second-hand car market, pushing importers to focus on newer models and comply with stricter safety standards.
Also Read: Murkomen Creates Three New Sub-Regions in Nairobi to Revolutionise City Services
Kenya Bans Import of Used Cars Registered Before 2019 in Major Policy Shift