New Conditions Set for Kenyans Buying Police-Auctioned Cars

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued a public notice outlining strict conditions for the registration of police-auctioned motor vehicles.

According to a Tuesday, April 1 notice, the bureau has warned buyers to comply with its guidelines to avoid legal complications.

In the statement, KEBS has reminded the public that under KS 1515:2000, Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, the importation and registration of vehicles older than eight years from the date of first registration are prohibited.

However, an exception can be made for vehicles sold through police auctions, as long as they meet specific waiver requirements.

“Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles that prohibits importation and registration of motor vehicles that are more than eight (8) years of age from the year of first registration,” read the notice in part. 

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Conditions Where a Waiver is Recommended

According to KEBS, a waiver recommendation can be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry if an applicant adheres to the Waiver Evaluation Technical Criteria (WETC).

Moreover, for a police-auctioned vehicle to qualify for an age-limit waiver, the buyer must submit several documents including a waiver application letter, a multi-Agency pre-auction report and a court order authorizing the auction. 

Further, the buyer must submit a Gazette Notice by the National Police Service listing the vehicle for auction and indicating its intended use (whether for road use or scrapping) and the license and certificate of sale from the auctioneer who conducted the sale. 

The authority will also only waive the limit if the buyer provides a tape lift from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and an Interpol clearance. 

KEBS has warned that only vehicles meeting these conditions will be considered for an age-limit waiver.

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KEBS Issues Warning to Buyers

Consequently, KEBS has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing police-auctioned vehicles, explaining that non-compliant cars may not be registered for use on Kenyan roads.

“KEBS will only consider and recommend to the Cabinet Secretary a waiver of the age limit for police-auctioned vehicles that meet the specified requirements,” the statement added.

Also, to curb fraud, KEBS has advised buyers to verify the authenticity of KEBS quality marks using the KEBS Official Mobile App or by sending an SMS to 20023 with the vehicle’s permit number.

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