From January 1, 2026, the country will no longer allow the importation of used vehicles older than eight years, meaning only cars first registered in 2019 or later will be eligible.
This rule is part of Kenya’s eight-year age limit for used vehicles, outlined in the Kenyan Standard KS 1515:2000.
This rule is part of Kenya’s eight-year age limit for used vehicles, outlined in the Kenyan Standard KS 1515:2000.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), working with inspection agencies abroad, strictly enforces the regulation to ensure only roadworthy cars enter the country.
With the December 31, 2025, deadline approaching, the Port of Mombasa has become the hub of a record surge in car imports.
With the December 31, 2025, deadline approaching, the Port of Mombasa has become the hub of a record surge in car imports.
KEBS has made it clear that Certificates of Roadworthiness issued for 2018 vehicles will expire at the end of the year, and any cars arriving after the deadline will be rejected, leaving importers to bear the cost.
Esther Ngari, KEBS Managing Director, emphasized that there will be no leniency: “Vehicles must arrive at the port by December 31. Any shipment arriving even a day later will be turned away.”
Esther Ngari, KEBS Managing Director, emphasized that there will be no leniency: “Vehicles must arrive at the port by December 31. Any shipment arriving even a day later will be turned away.”
The rule applies to all importers, including returning residents and diplomatic personnel, and only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) schedules indicate an unusually high number of car carriers arriving in the final two weeks of the year.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) schedules indicate an unusually high number of car carriers arriving in the final two weeks of the year.
Eight car carriers are expected to dock, delivering over 4,700 vehicles — roughly the same volume Kenya typically imports in a month.
Overall, the Port of Mombasa will handle 53 vessels during this period, including container ships, conventional cargo vessels, and a single oil tanker.
Some carriers arrived as early as Christmas, with others docking through December 29. Depending on sea conditions and port clearance, additional shipments could arrive on December 30 or 31. Importers hope careful planning and fast processing will help them beat the clock.
Japan remains Kenya’s dominant source of used cars, offering quality vehicles at competitive prices, along with right-hand drive models preferred locally.
Some carriers arrived as early as Christmas, with others docking through December 29. Depending on sea conditions and port clearance, additional shipments could arrive on December 30 or 31. Importers hope careful planning and fast processing will help them beat the clock.
Japan remains Kenya’s dominant source of used cars, offering quality vehicles at competitive prices, along with right-hand drive models preferred locally.
Other key suppliers include the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa.
All exported cars must carry a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness from KEBS-accredited inspection agencies, such as Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ).
Sea transit from Japan to Mombasa typically takes 25 to 28 days. However, pre-shipment inspections, loading delays, and port congestion can extend delivery times.
Sea transit from Japan to Mombasa typically takes 25 to 28 days. However, pre-shipment inspections, loading delays, and port congestion can extend delivery times.
Shipping disruptions, including attacks in the Red Sea that forced some vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, have further prolonged transit times to 40 days or more.
Despite these challenges, most importers manage to meet deadlines by scheduling shipments well in advance, often in October or November.
Despite these challenges, most importers manage to meet deadlines by scheduling shipments well in advance, often in October or November.
The Car Importers Association of Kenya warns that unpredictable shipping schedules and global supply chain disruptions increase the risk of late deliveries.
Kenya has faced similar last-minute import rushes in the past. In 2014, over 2,000 vehicles first registered in 2006 were blocked due to the age limit rule.
Kenya has faced similar last-minute import rushes in the past. In 2014, over 2,000 vehicles first registered in 2006 were blocked due to the age limit rule.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, exemptions were granted for delayed shipments caused by global transport disruptions, but authorities have indicated that no such leniency will be applied this year.
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