Kenya is preparing to overhaul its second-hand vehicle market after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) introduced new restrictions that will limit imports to vehicles first registered in 2019 or later.
The new directive, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, applies to all right-hand drive vehicles and is intended to enhance road safety, reduce emissions, and ensure that imported cars meet Kenya’s mechanical and environmental standards.
In a statement issued on November 13, KEBS said the rules comply with the eight-year age limit specified under the Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles (KS 1515:2000), as seen on Business Insider Africa
“We wish to notify all importers of used/second-hand motor vehicles, including returning residents, diplomatic staff, and the general public, that only Right Hand Drive motor vehicles whose year of first registration is from 1st January 2019 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1st January 2026,” the authority said.
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Vehicles registered before 2019 may still be imported, but only if they arrive at Kenyan ports on or before December 31, 2025, accompanied by a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR).
Any vehicles arriving after this date will be deemed non-compliant and rejected at the importer’s expense. KEBS requires a COR to be obtained through a detailed inspection covering the engine, steering, suspension, brakes, and other essential components.
The restriction forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at increasing road safety and cutting the environmental impact caused by older vehicles, which typically produce higher emissions and often fail mechanical inspections. Officials also view the policy as a measure to bolster Kenya’s emerging automotive assembly industry.
By reducing the inflow of older, cheaper cars, the government hopes to stimulate demand for newer models, thereby supporting local assembly plants, parts manufacturers, and related businesses.
Industry analysts note that similar policies across the continent could strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract investment, and generate employment.
By steering consumers toward newer vehicles, African countries can modernize their fleets while building out local industrial capacity, supporting both environmental goals and economic growth.
Kenya’s new rule is expected to influence other African nations exploring ways to reduce reliance on second-hand imports and enhance their automotive sectors.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
