The Kenyan government has rescinded the decision to ban the importation of 8-year 1,500cc second-hand vehicles, until further consultations take place.
The cabinet secretary for Industry, Trade and Co-operatives, Peter Munya said on18 January 2018 that the directives contained in the Draft National Automotive Policy, will target those above 1,500cc.
The directive will be implemented in June 2019.
“You continue to import vehicles that are eight years old if they are 1,500 cc. That will not change, for now,” he said in an interview with Citizen TV.
Kenyans wishing to import 8-year cars above 1,500cc will be the affected lot, he said. Those with higher capacity engines “will be able to absorb the impact of higher prices and taxes” on the five-year models.
The Draft National Automotive Policy directives will be implemented in a systematic manner beginning June 2019.
Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers, automobile players and some companies are preparing the policy. Car importers have opposed the move, saying they were never consulted.
Eventually, the government hopes to cap the age limit to 3-years by 2021.
