The government has launched public participation on a proposal to join the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations Working Party 29 (WP.29), a United Nations vehicle regulatory framework whose standards govern how vehicles are designed, manufactured, tested, approved and inspected in many of the world’s leading automotive markets.
In a notice published by the Ministry of Roads and Transport through the State Department for Roads on November 2, Kenyans, professional bodies, institutions and other stakeholders have been invited to submit views on Kenya’s proposed accession to WP.29, with submissions required by November 30, 2026, at 5 pm
The proposed move puts Kenya on course to join a global system of vehicle regulations covering safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, vehicle approvals, and inspection standards.
Inside WP.29
WP.29 was established in 1952 under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and serves as the international platform responsible for developing harmonised vehicle regulations used across numerous countries.
The forum brings together more than 4,000 experts from over 56 countries and addresses technical requirements affecting vehicles throughout their lifecycle.
According to UNECE, WP.29 develops and updates regulations governing vehicle construction, performance and safety.
WP.29 has developed more than 160 UN regulations.
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The framework covers critical vehicle systems including brakes, steering, lighting, tires, seat belts, airbags, crash protection systems and anti-theft technologies.
WP.29 has also expanded its work to address emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, connected vehicles, vehicle cybersecurity and software updates.
The State Department for Roads says accession would allow Kenya to leverage international technical regulations in vehicle design, development, production, testing, type approval and inspection.
According to the ministry, vehicle imports into Kenya were valued at approximately Ksh131.6 billion in 2025, while spare parts imports stood at about Ksh18.4 billion during the same period.
Local vehicle assembly produced 13,692 units, operating at roughly 30 per cent of available installed capacity.
The Ministry further stated that accession to WP.29 would provide access to internationally recognised technical regulations used in vehicle production and certification.
Public Participation Opens
The State Department for Roads has invited members of the public, communities, professional associations, technical organisations and institutions to submit comments on the proposal.
“Pursuant to Articles 10 and 118 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The State Department for Roads, Mechanical and Transport Directorate invites members of the public, communities, institutions, professional bodies and other interested stakeholders to submit views and proposals on Kenya’s Accession to the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations Working Party Number Twenty-Nine (WP.29),” the notice stated.
Views can be submitted through any one of the following channels:
- Online link on the Report: https://roads.go.ke/public-participation
- Registration link for participation: https://bit.ly/45vhdmJ
- Email: [email protected]
- Physical delivery: In a sealed envelope marked “PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: KENYA’S ACCESSION TO THE WORLD FORUM FOR HARMONISATION OF VEHICLE REGULATIONS WORKING PARTY NUMBER TWENTY-NINE (WP.29)”, addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads, P.O. Box 30260-00100, Nairobi. Works Building 10th Floor. (Attn: Chief Mechanical Engineer (M&T).
There shall be in-person and virtual meetings for stakeholders’ consultations on the above as outlined in the schedule available at https://roads.go.ke/public-participation.
Factors Behind Kenya’s Proposed Vehicle Regulations
Kenya’s automotive sector is grappling with a growing influx of counterfeit spare parts, a problem authorities say threatens road safety and undermines legitimate businesses.
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A 2025 report by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority found a sharp rise in fake automotive products, including brake pads, spark plugs and engine components, many of which are sold as genuine parts.
The agency warned that unsuspecting motorists risk mechanical failures caused by substandard products.
The problem remains widespread, with four-wheeler spare parts and accessories accounting for 81.8 per cent of counterfeit automotive goods identified in the market.
Authorities seized counterfeit vehicle parts worth about Ksh30 million in Kisumu in 2026, including brake pads and spark plugs disguised as reputable brands.
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