Kenyan roads have seen an increase in the number of vehicles bearing foreign number plates including those from the neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania. Vehicles bought from outside the country, and specifically from the East African Community (EAC) or Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) are considered cheap.
If you are thinking about driving a car in Kenya bearing foreign registration number plate, you would be subjected to tough conditions.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) jointly say those using such vehicles have to prove they worked in the countries of origin and submit work permits or proof of residency.
Foreigners from EAC and COMESA are not spared and have to provide proof of ownership and if they are an agent of the owner, have power of attorney from them.
Diplomats also have to prove their diplomatic status in addition to proving they work in a diplomatic capacity.
Prior to gaining entry approval, the foreign operator from EAC and COMESA countries must have a valid temporary importation of road vehicles form (Form C32), which is issued at a border station.
Even with all the documents, the car owners will have to apply for a foreign motor vehicle permit, which will be done online via the eCitizen portal.
To obtain a Form C32, an individual must be a foreigner with foreign identification, have a valid work permit or proof of residency, if Kenyan, have the foreign Motor Vehicle Registration Book in his/her name.
Other requirements are that one must have a valid power of attorney or authorization to operate the vehicle from the Motor Vehicle Owner, in case the operator is an agent of the owner and for diplomats, one must prove that they have on going diplomatic status. In addition, one must proof that they work in a diplomatic capacity eg. Valid Diplomatic identification.
After obtaining the form, there are steps one has to follow to get a foreign vehicle permit. They include a free seven-day temporary permit issued at entry points to vehicles crossing the border, a free seven-day foreign permit issued to vehicles on transit to neighbouring countries, a paid up foreign permit issued to vehicles on tour in Kenya with an international circulation perm.
The final step involves a paid up foreign permit issued to vehicles entering Kenya on a business trip under the East African Treaty, COMESA Treaty or any other country with which Kenya has a bilateral agreement such as Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.
The foreign vehicle permit in Kenya attracts fee for various engine capacity.
Below 2000cc for 1 month - Ksh2,491
Below 2000cc for three months - Ksh6,050
Above 2000cc for one month - Ksh4,863
Above 2000cc for three months - Ksh11,981
