Kenya Set for Major Shift as KEBS Tightens Age Limits on Imported Used Cars
Kenya’s second-hand vehicle market is set for major changes after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced new restrictions on the age of imported used cars. The reforms, which take effect from January 2026, are expected to dramatically reshape the industry, affecting importers, dealers and consumers across the country.
Under the new rules, KEBS will only allow the importation of used right-hand-drive vehicles that were first registered in 2019 or later. This effectively enforces the eight year age limit contained in the KS 1515:2000 standards, which KEBS says has long been in place but will now be strictly applied. Vehicles registered before 2019 must arrive in Kenya by December 31, 2025, to be admitted into the country.
KEBS has also introduced tighter verification procedures for cars that arrive without a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness. Importers must now provide verifiable documents such as logbooks, export certificates, or deregistration certificates, which will be validated by Quality Inspection Services, Inc. (QISJ). A fee of KSh 12,000 will be charged for the verification process, which KEBS says will take approximately four working days.
According to KEBS, the revised rules are meant to enhance road safety, curb environmental pollution and eliminate fraudulent practices that have plagued the used-car import business. Older vehicles, the bureau argues, pose higher mechanical risks and contribute to higher emissions. The new verification system is designed to crack down on forged importation documents, which have allowed non-compliant vehicles into the market. Importers and dealers are expected to feel the immediate impact of the new restrictions. Newer used vehicles cost more in international markets, meaning importers will face higher acquisition costs. This will likely translate into higher prices for buyers locally. Dealers who have relied on older, cheaper models may also be forced to adjust their sourcing strategies and speed up clearance of existing stock before the deadline.
For consumers, the changes could reduce the availability of low-cost used cars, especially popular models from 2007 to 2015 that have historically dominated Kenya’s car imports. While prices are expected to rise, motorists may benefit from better-quality and safer vehicles entering the market. Newer cars also tend to retain value for longer, which could eventually stabilize resale dynamics.