Kenya Announces a Ban on Importation of Second-Hand Buses and Trucks

The government has banned the importation of used passenger buses and trucks in a move aimed at increasing safety on Kenyan roads.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) announced that the ban, which follows the implementation of new standards, will take effect from July 1st this year. 

“Kebs wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that effective July 1st, 2022, all used passenger minibuses, midibuses, large buses, single articulated and bi-articulated business and double-decker buses shall not be allowed for importation into the country,” Kebs said in a statement.

The agency further stated that it will not allow the importation second-hand rigid trucks with Gross Value Mass (GVM) equal to or greater than 3.5 tonnes and up to and including 30 tonnes.

Importers of second-hand tractor heads and prime movers not older than three years have been given a grace period of up to June 30th, 2023, after which they too will be banned.

Kebs noted that the embargo does not affect small vans or microbuses with a length of up to seven meters as well as other non-commercial vehicles including saloon and SUV cars, provided they are not older than eight years.

But second-hand imports will be required to meet higher standards in terms of emissions, with Kebs requiring them to have met the Euro IV/4 standards on emission in a bid to curb pollution and improve air quality.

“All imported new diesel-powered and petrol power vehicles shall be type-approved to meet the requirements of Euro IV/4 before importation into the country,” said Kebs.