The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a notice to importers of special-purpose motor vehicles. KEBS enforces KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, which prohibits the importation and registration of motor vehicles older than eight years from the year of first registration.
The Code of Practice prohibits the importation and registration of Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles.
However, KEBS stated that special-purpose vehicles over eight years old and/or Left-Hand Drive (LHD) may be allowed entry into the country, subject to the fulfilment of three conditions.
These include proof of the customisation and provision of a record of serviceability.
KEBS also said that applicants must provide evidence that the vehicle is no more than 20 years old from the year of manufacture.
Details regarding the waiver requirements for the importation of special-purpose vehicles are available at www.kebs.org.
KEBS has advised all stakeholders to review and understand these requirements before beginning any importation process.
“All importers of special-purpose vehicles are encouraged to apply for and obtain the necessary waivers before shipping the units into the country to avoid inconveniences. Please be guided accordingly,” KEBS said.
KEBS and Law Requirements
Motor vehicles imported into Kenya must comply with KEBC requirements of Legal Notice No. 78 of 15th July 2005 (Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards Imports Order, 2005) and KS1515:2000 Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles.
All motor vehicles imported into Kenya must be eight years old or less from the year of registration.
The difference between the year of manufacture and the year of registration should be one year or less.
KEBS also inspects used vehicles imported into Kenya for roadworthiness, safety, and compliance with other requirements.
Also Read: How to Book NTSA Inspection for Government PSVs and Commercial Vehicles
Categorization of Vehicles
The Traffic Act classifies motor vehicles into various categories.
This includes motor omnibuses, heavy commercial vehicles, general commercial vehicles, tractors, matatus, invalid carriages, and motor cars.
Motorcycles are categorised into two: those with an engine capacity not exceeding fifty cubic centimetres and those exceeding fifty cubic centimetres.
Also Read: Tough Times as Number of New Registered Vehicles Declines by 21%
Special Purpose Motor Vehicles
Special-purpose motor vehicles refer to left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, which are generally not permitted for registration in Kenya.
These vehicles require special authorisation from the Authority before registration or use on the road.
This is because only Right-Hand Drive vehicles are permitted for registration in Kenya.
KEBS and Kenyan law only allow certain types of LHD vehicles: ambulances, fire tenders (fire engines), and large construction vehicles like cranes, bulldozers, and graders.
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