Importing a vehicle into Kenya remains one of the most popular ways for individuals, businesses, ride-share operators, and fleet managers to acquire reliable, cost-effective cars—especially in a market where new-vehicle prices often exceed KSh 5–10 million for popular SUVs and saloons. In 2026, the process is tightly regulated by three core authorities: the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for customs valuation and taxation, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for pre-shipment conformity and age/roadworthiness compliance, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for final registration and road-use approval. The landscape shifted significantly at the start of 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, KEBS enforced a stricter interpretation of the long-standing eight-year age limit under KS 1515:2000 (Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles) and Legal Notice No. 78 of 2020. Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles whose year of first registration is January 1, 2019, or late...
I. Introduction: Why Kenya Demands Seasonal Care
Unlike regions with four distinct seasons, Kenya's climate alternates primarily between intense heat/dust and heavy rains. Each cycle presents a unique set of stresses on your vehicle, from the risk of overheating in Nairobi traffic during the dry spell to pothole damage during the Long Rains.
A reactive approach—fixing problems only when they break—is the most expensive way to own a car in Kenya. A proactive, seasonal maintenance calendar is a safety net for your investment, ensuring your car is mechanically sound for the harsh realities of Kenyan roads, rain or shine. I don't mean just spending for the sake of it. I mean spotting potential weak spots and fixing them long before they materialize the first symptom because you have a character of auditing standards.
II. The Dry/Hot Season (January – March & September – October)
The primary enemy in the dry season is heat and dust. Maintenance during this period must focus on mitigating the risk of overheating and choked engine performance.
☀️ Focus: Cooling & Air
Coolant System: Check the coolant level and condition weekly. The hot weather accelerates evaporation and pressure build-up. Ensure your radiator fan kicks in and the radiator hoses are free of cracks or swelling.
Air Filters: Dust from unpaved roads and urban pollution clogs engine and cabin air filters faster than usual. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your engine to work harder, leading to poor fuel economy.
Action: Inspect and replace the engine air filter every 5,000 km if you frequently drive on dusty routes. Replace the cabin filter for AC performance and health.
A/C System: Test your Air Conditioning. The system is under maximum load during the heat. If the air is not blowing cold, you likely need a gas refill or an inspection of the compressor and condenser.
🔋 Focus: Battery & Tyres
Battery Health: High temperatures cause battery fluid (electrolyte) to evaporate faster. This is the silent killer of batteries in Kenya.
Action: If your battery is not a maintenance-free type, top up the fluid with distilled water monthly. Clean corrosive buildup from the terminals using a baking soda paste.
Tyre Pressure: Heat expands the air inside your tyres. Over-inflation increases the risk of a blowout on hot tarmac.
Action: Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold and adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (found on the driver’s side door jamb or fuel filler cap).
III. The Rainy Season Checklist (March – May & October – December)
The primary enemies in the rainy season are poor visibility, slick roads, and pothole damage. Maintenance must prioritize braking, traction, and undercarriage integrity.
🌧️ Focus: Visibility & Traction
Wiper Blades: A cracked or perished wiper blade is a major safety hazard. They should be changed at least once a year, ideally just before the long rains begin.
Action: Replace any blade that streaks or squeaks. Top up the washer fluid and ensure the spray nozzles are aimed correctly.
Lights: Driving in heavy rain requires all lights to work flawlessly.
Action: Check all headlights (low and high beam), fog lights, and brake lights. Consider cleaning the headlamp lenses if they are foggy, as this drastically improves light output.
Tyre Tread Depth: Tread channels water away from the tyre's contact patch. Worn-out tyres increase the risk of hydroplaning (skidding on a film of water).
Action: While the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, replace your tyres when the tread depth is 3 mm for optimal grip on wet Kenyan roads.
🛑 Focus: Brakes & Undercarriage
Braking System: Wet roads increase stopping distance. Your brakes must be in perfect condition.
Action: Check brake pad thickness and ensure brake fluid is at the correct level. Listen for any squealing (worn pads) or grinding (worn rotors).
Undercarriage & Suspension: Potholes, often hidden under large puddles, are the biggest threat.
Action: After the rains subside, get your wheel alignment checked. Get an inspection of the shock absorbers and suspension bushes for leaks or damage. Wash the undercarriage regularly to remove mud and trapped debris that accelerate rust.
IV. All-Year/General Service Schedule
These checks are independent of the season and should be part of your routine service.
| Component | Frequency | Action |
| Engine Oil & Filter | Every 5,000 km to 10,000 km | Use the correct oil grade (e.g., 10{W}-40) and adhere strictly to the schedule due to Kenyan driving conditions (dust/traffic). |
| Brake Fluid | Every 2 years | Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water), reducing its effectiveness. |
| Tyre Rotation & Balancing | Every 10,000km | Ensures even wear, extending tyre lifespan and improving stability. |
| Full Vehicle Inspection | Once a year | Have a professional mechanic perform a comprehensive check of all systems (electrical, transmission, differential). |
Comments
Post a Comment