A Kenyan car importer has filed a constitutional petition seeking to abolish the eight-year age limit on used car imports, challenging the long-standing rule enforced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The case, filed at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, claims the regulation is economically discriminatory and denies many Kenyans access to affordable vehicles.
Legal Challenge to Kenya’s Vehicle Import Rules
Under the current KEBS directive—anchored in the KS 1515:2000 standard (Kenya Bureau of Standards)—imported used vehicles must be no more than eight years old from the date of manufacture. This policy has been in effect for decades and is often justified on environmental and safety grounds.
However, the petitioner argues that the restriction violates consumer rights under Articles 27 and 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, limiting citizens’ freedom of choice and access to economic opportunity. Many vehicles older than eight years—especially from the UK and Japan—are well-maintained, reliable, and meet international emissions standards.
Economic Impact on Car Buyers and Importers
The eight-year rule has long been a source of frustration for car dealers and buyers, especially amidst rising inflation, currency devaluation, and soaring vehicle prices. According to a report by Business Daily Africa, the restriction has significantly contributed to the decline in used car imports in Kenya.
For budget-conscious buyers looking to import a car from the UK to Kenya, this regulation limits their options to newer, often more expensive vehicles. Cars such as the 2010 Toyota Harrier or 2011 Land Rover Freelander—still in great condition—are barred from entry due solely to their manufacturing year.
For a full breakdown of related costs, see our guide on how much it costs to import a car from the UK to Kenya, or use our KRA Motor Vehicle Import Duty Calculator to estimate duties and taxes.
The Call for Policy Reform
The petitioner is calling for a comprehensive policy review, suggesting that the current framework fails to reflect the economic realities faced by many Kenyans. By removing the eight-year age cap, the local market could enjoy a wider range of vehicle choices and fairer pricing.
This debate comes at a time when other African countries are re-evaluating similar restrictions. For instance, Uganda recently relaxed its own vehicle import policy to allow certain older models, provided they pass emissions and roadworthiness tests, as reported by The EastAfrican.
Policy experts argue that a more flexible age limit—combined with strict inspection requirements—could balance environmental concerns with affordability. For importers and dealers, such a change could also revitalise the local motor trade and clearing and forwarding process in Kenya.
What This Means for the Future of Car Imports in Kenya
As the case proceeds through the Kenyan judicial system, it could set a major precedent. A ruling in favour of the petitioner may lead to a broader overhaul of Kenya’s car import regulations, influencing everything from customs duty calculations to vehicle inspection criteria.
Industry players, legal analysts, and prospective car buyers are watching the proceedings closely. If successful, the petition could offer a long-awaited opportunity to make car ownership more accessible to a larger segment of the population.
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