Kenya draws up plan to phase out vehicles older than 7years

The government will retire automobiles which are over 7 years old – under a proposed vehicle scrapping policy.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) yesterday notified car importers of used and second hand vehicles in a gazette alert that such plans will be effected from January1, 2018, in a bold move by the state that will see all vehicles whose year of first registration is 2010 invalid after December, 31 2017.

“We wish to notify all importers of used/second hand motor vehicles including returning residents, diplomats’ staff and the general public that only motor vehicles whose year of first registration is from 1^st January 2011 and later shall be allowed into the country as from 1^st January, 2018.

This is in line with the provisions of KS1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for inspection of Road vehicles and legal notice No.78 of 15^th July 2005 – The verification of Conformity of Kenya Standards of Imports Order,” reads the Kebs notice.

The directive also wants motor vehicles imports from countries where Kebs has pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspection arrangements with a partner, for motor vehicles inspection, to be accompanied by Certificates of Roadworthiness issued in the countries of export or supply by KEBS appointed partner.

“Further, Certificates of roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2010 will not be valid after 31^st December, 2017. All vehicles issued with such certificates arriving after31st December 2017 will be deemed not complying with KS15151:2000 and shall be rejected at the port of entry at the importer’s expense,” the notice said.