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...
Introduction: The Great Rebalancing If the early 2020s were defined by the hype of "flying cars" and "100% electric by tomorrow," late 2025 is defined by a sobering, yet innovative, reality check. We are witnessing a "Great Rebalancing" in the automotive industry. The narrative has shifted from utopian futurism to aggressive pragmatism, driven by economic headwinds, high interest rates, and a consumer base that has become increasingly price-sensitive and brand-agnostic. As an industry analyst tracking these shifts through Q3 and Q4 of 2025, I have synthesized data from manufacturing reports, consumer behavior surveys, and global sales metrics. This article is written for the car buyer, the investor, and the enthusiast who wants to understand not just what is being released, but why the market looks the way it does right now. 1. The Powertrain Reality: Hybrids Win the Wallet The most significant trend of late 2025 is the decoupling of "electrificati...