Kenya has introduced new restrictions on the importation of second-hand vehicles, a policy shift set to reshape the country’s automotive market starting January 1, 2026. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced that only used vehicles first registered in 2019 or later will be eligible for importation, marking one of the most significant reforms in Kenya’s vehicle import regime in recent years.
The new directive aligns with Kenya’s long-standing eight-year age limit for imported vehicles, as stipulated under the Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles (KS 1515:2000). KEBS said the decision is aimed at improving road safety, cutting down on harmful emissions from aging vehicles, and ensuring that vehicles entering the country meet modern mechanical and environmental standards.
In a statement released on November 13, KEBS clarified that the policy applies to all right-hand-drive vehicles, including those imported by returning residents and diplomatic staff. Vehicles first registered before January 2019 will only be allowed entry if they arrive at Kenyan ports on or before December 31, 2025, and carry a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR). Any non-compliant vehicle arriving after that date will be rejected at the importer’s expense.
The agency emphasized that the COR inspection remains mandatory and will cover key systems such as brakes, suspension, steering, engine condition, and emissions. KEBS noted that the stricter standards are part of an ongoing effort to reduce the high rate of road accidents involving unroadworthy imported vehicles and to help Kenya transition toward a cleaner, more modern vehicle fleet.
Government officials say the policy is also designed to support Kenya’s budding automotive manufacturing and assembly sector. Older second-hand imports currently dominate the market, often undercutting locally assembled models and limiting investment in domestic production. By raising the minimum import standard, the government aims to create a more balanced competitive environment that encourages buyers to consider newer vehicles, especially those assembled within the country.
Economists and industry analysts argue that the move could strengthen Kenya’s industrial ecosystem. Restricting older imports may attract more foreign companies to invest in assembly plants, expand local parts manufacturing, and generate skilled jobs. The reform also aligns with broader African goals of reducing reliance on used-vehicle imports, a challenge shared across the continent.
Several African countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, and Morocco, have implemented or are considering similar restrictions to modernize their vehicle fleets and grow domestic manufacturing capacity. Kenya’s latest decision may serve as a model for others seeking to build globally competitive automotive industries.
However, some importers and consumer groups caution that the policy may raise the cost of vehicles, since newer models generally come with higher price tags. They argue that policymakers must balance industrial ambitions with the affordability needs of lower-income households who depend on used imports for mobility.
More Read
As Kenya prepares to implement the changes in 2026, the government maintains that the reforms are necessary for long-term economic, environmental, and safety benefits. The shift signals Kenya’s intent to accelerate the modernization of its transportation sector while positioning itself as a regional hub for automotive manufacturing and assembly.
Kenya Railways to sell US$123 million in assets to settle pension arrears
