KEBS eases import rules for older left-hand, special-purpose vehicles
KEBS explained that exceptions will apply for certain units like ambulances, fire trucks, and construction vehicles, provided the importer can justify their condition and use.
Kenyans looking to import and register left-hand drive or special-purpose vehicles that are more than eight years old will now have to meet new, strict conditions set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), which has issued a waiver policy for such imports under special terms.
In a public notice dated June 24, KEBS outlined three conditions that must be met for a waiver to be granted for these categories of vehicles.
More To Read
- Motorists Association of Kenya decries state plan to inspect private vehicles older than four years
- State proposes mandatory inspections for vehicles older than four years in new rules
- State agencies directed to set up e-Agent accounts on eCitizen for bulk payments
- Five tourists killed in road accident on Ol Jororok–Nakuru road
- State agencies ordered to adopt digital number plates by August
- Engineers sound alarm over substandard cement amid rising building collapses in Kenya
The agency explained that while it has maintained its general restriction on importing vehicles older than eight years, exceptions will apply for certain units like ambulances, fire trucks, and construction vehicles, provided the importer can justify their condition and use.
To qualify for the waiver, the vehicle must be proven to be customised specifically for its intended special purpose. In addition, the importer must provide detailed service records showing a clear history of the vehicle’s maintenance and continued serviceability.
The third requirement states that any special-purpose or left-hand drive vehicle must not have been in use for more than 20 years from the date of manufacture. This condition is aimed at ensuring that even older vehicles still meet safety and performance standards.
KEBS has advised all interested importers to apply for the waiver certificate before shipping the vehicle to Kenya. This, according to the bureau, is to help avoid delays or the risk of the vehicles being denied entry upon arrival.
“Details regarding the waiver requirements for the importation of special-purpose vehicles are available on www.kebs.org, and all stakeholders are advised to review and familiarise themselves with these requirements before initiating any importation process,” KEBS announced.
“All importers of special-purpose vehicles are encouraged to apply for and obtain the requisite waivers before shipping the said units into the country to avoid inconveniences. Please be guided accordingly,” the notice added.
KEBS further reminded the public that all vehicles being brought into the country are subject to the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), a system designed to ensure compliance with Kenyan standards before the vehicles arrive.
Failure to meet these standards often leads to imported vehicles being turned away at the port, leaving importers to shoulder all related losses and costs.
By laying out these waiver conditions, KEBS seeks to maintain quality control on all vehicles entering the country while still allowing room for essential special-purpose machines that may not meet the usual age requirement.
Top Stories Today
