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State tightens import regulations for second-hand electric vehicles

President William Ruto alights from the electric car which he drove to the Africa Climate Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kenya on September 4, 2023. (Photo: PCS)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, February 20, 2024

All imported second-hand electric motor vehicles must have a minimum battery life of 80 per cent to be eligible for importation into the country.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has directed all imported second-hand electric motor vehicles to have a minimum battery life of 80 per cent to be eligible for importation into the country.

KEBS noted the directives are according to the provisions of legal notice No.78 of April 28, 2020; the verification of conformity to Kenya's standards of import order.

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“We wish to notify all importers of used/secondhand electric motor vehicles that all used/Secondhand electric motor vehicles must have battery life not less than 80 per cent to be allowed for importation into the country,” read the notice dated Monday.

In addition, used electric motor vehicles imported from Japan, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK will be subjected to mandatory pre-inspection.

The inspection will be conducted by Quality Inspection Services Inc. (QISJ) which is the KEBS-appointed inspection agent for motor vehicles.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is a statutory body established under the Standards Act. Cap. 496. Laws of Kenya.

It is mandated to offer among other services, quality inspection of imports based on Kenya Standards or approved specifications.

The directive comes amidst an anticipated uptake in electric motor vehicles as an alternative to their Diesel and Petrol counterparts.

Adoption of EVs

President William Ruto has been championing the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, particularly in the matatu sector urging operators to embrace the new technology.

Ruto said the use of electric vehicles will keep businesses afloat by avoiding the high cost of operations as a result of uncertainties in global fuel prices.

Last October, Ruto drove to the Africa Climate Summit (ACS23) in the first Kenyan electric car, Autopax, AirEv YETU.

He said the electric vehicles will cut down on emissions of gases considered to be toxic to the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change.

“A drive for the future: Low-emission, planet-friendly e-mobility is the long-term sustainable transportation solution for humanity,” he said.

During the official opening of the Roam Park, East Africa's largest electric motorcycle assembly plant, Ruto said the facility will showcase Kenya's potential to become a leader in clean transportation solutions in Africa.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our national goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy alternatives. The assembly plant will not only contribute to our environmental goals but also foster economic growth by creating job opportunities and nurturing local talent in the automotive industry," he said.