If you’re in the business of importing vehicles or heavy machinery into Kenya, 2026 is already shaping up to be a defining year. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is taking a firm stance: starting January 1, 2026, only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles first registered from January 1, 2019, onwards will be cleared for importation into Kenya.
This is not just another policy update, this is the enforcement of KS 1515:2000, the regulation that restricts vehicle imports to models no older than eight years from their date of first registration. For dealers and logistics professionals, these aren’t just technicalities. They’re the line between efficient business and costly holdups.
Understanding the 8-Year Rule
KEBS has made its position clear: eligibility depends strictly on the Year of First Registration (YoR). If your vehicle was first registered in 2018 or earlier, it will not be allowed in. The aim is simple, promote newer, safer vehicles with better emissions standards and phase out older, less environmentally friendly imports. For many dealers, this marks the end of the road for budget-friendly, older models.
What It Means for Compliance
Now, more than ever, importing requires precision. KEBS mandates a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) from Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) for vehicles sourced from regions it covers. Don’t have a CoR? You’ll need to validate your import documents, logbooks, export certificates, and deregistration papers through the approved database, a process that costs Ksh 12,000 per unit and takes about four days. It’s a manageable process, provided you plan ahead and pay attention to detail.
Spare Parts and Heavy Machinery: Impact Beyond Cars
While most conversations focus on passenger cars and SUVs, the ripple effects are reaching spare parts and heavy machinery dealers too.
Stricter rules on older vehicles mean increased scrutiny of used parts, as authorities work to stop substandard or scrap components from entering the market. Expect more thorough checks at the Port of Mombasa, with every part required to meet Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) standards.
For those dealing in heavy equipment or industrial consignments, the challenge is different. As the December 31, 2025, deadline approached, the port saw a flurry of activity, more ships, more congestion. In 2026, the biggest concern is clearing times, not just the age of machinery. Make sure your clearing agent is on top of all documentation, so your cargo doesn’t join the backlog.
Market Shifts: Pressure and Opportunity
On the ground, these changes bring both pressure and new possibilities. The end-of-2025 scramble injected a wave of newer vehicles into the market, testing Kenya’s logistics systems to the limit. Dealers with 2019 models now have the upper hand, demand is up, and prices are rising as the window for older, cheaper units shuts.
How to Stay Ahead in 2026
Audit your inventory. Make sure every vehicle in your yard or on order was first registered in 2019 or later.
Double-check your paperwork. Every unit should have a CoR, or you should budget for validation fees and processing time.
Work in sync with your clearing agent. Ensure your CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) is accurate, as taxes on newer vehicles are higher.
Think long-term. For manufacturers and large importers, consider investing in local assembly or newer, efficient models, future tax incentives may await.
Positioning Your Business for Success
Adapting to these regulations calls for a logistics partner who understands the Kenyan market inside and out.
Whether you’re importing spare parts, vehicles, or heavy machinery, it pays to work with a specialist who can keep your business moving, regardless of regulatory shifts. At DHL, we combine local expertise with global resources to keep your supply chain seamless, compliant, and competitive.
Stay Prepared, Stay Ahead
The eight-year rule is more than a regulatory change, it’s the new standard for Kenya’s automotive sector. While it closes the door on older imports, it also opens up opportunities for safer, cleaner, and more efficient mobility. By planning ahead and ensuring compliance, you can turn these changes to your advantage. The industry is evolving, make sure your business is ready to move with it.
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