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: The Reality of Car Theft In major Kenyan cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu , car theft—including the quick stripping of parts like mirrors and headlights—is a persistent problem. Relying solely on the factory-installed alarm is no longer enough. The best strategy is a layered defense : a combination of visible deterrents and hidden electronic systems. Modern thieves are equipped with signal jammers and lock-picking tools, making low-tech, time-consuming defenses often more effective than standard alarms. This guide details the five non-negotiable security devices you should install in your car to make it too risky and too time-consuming for a criminal to target. II. The 5 Essential Layers of Car Security 1. The GPS Tracker with Remote Immobilization (The Ultimate Defense) This is the single most important device for vehicle recovery . A modern GPS tracker goes beyond simple location tracking. How it works: A small device is hidden within th...