KEBS Bans Importation of These Vehicles

File Photo of Different Cars Parked at a Past Event
File Photo of Different Cars Parked at a Past Event
File

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has banned the importation of used mini-buses, double-decker, and large buses into the country.

In a notice on Thursday, April 28, KEBS stated that the ban will take effect from July 1, with motor vehicle importers expected to strictly adhere to the set guidelines.

The government agency noted that the ban on importation of buses was geared towards promoting uptake of locally assembled and fabricated ones in a move that will grow the local industry.

A file image of pedestrians and passenger buses along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
A file image of pedestrians and passenger buses along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
File

The standards body noted that the ban was in line with declaration of KS1515:2019 - Road Vehicles - Inspection of Road Vehicles - Code of Practice that was signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise.

"However, used passenger Microbus of up to seven meters overall length shall continue to be imported into the country provided they are not older than eight years from the year of first registration," read the KEBS notice in part.

Additionally, KEBS noted that diesel and petrol-fueled vehicles will only be imported into the country with its approval.

Further, the agency detailed that the vehicles must meet the EURO IV/4 emission standards that are intended to limit the emission of nitrogen oxide into the environment with potential buyers advised to seek clarification.

"Importers and members of the public are encouraged to buy the standard from the KEBS library or online through KEBS webstore at www(dot)kebs(dot)org to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the standard," KEBS advised.

KEBS also maintained that the 8-year rule which took effect in January would continue to apply to all other vehicles. 

Since the implementation of the standards, Kenyans are only allowed to import vehicles that are not older than 8 years since their date of first registration.

A recent Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report indicated that Kenyans imported over 78,000 vehicles in 2021, which was a 21 per cent increase from 2020.

This was attributed to the high cost of brand new cars both in the local and international market.

President Uhuru Kenyatta commissions local assembly of Proton Saga saloon cars on Thursday, December 10
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PSCU