Kenya to Ban Importation of Second-Hand Vehicles

The Kenyan government has announced plans to ban the importation of second-hand commercial vehicles in less than a year’s time. The move is part of the government’s efforts to boost the local manufacturing industry and create jobs.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria made the announcement on Twitter on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He said that all commercial vehicles imported into Kenya after January 1, 2024, must be assembled locally.

Kuria said that the ban would help to protect the local automotive industry, which has been struggling to compete with cheap imports from Japan and other countries. He said that the ban would also create jobs in the automotive sector and boost the economy.

The ban has been welcomed by the Kenya Automotive Manufacturers Association (KAMAA). KAMAA Chairman Charles Munyori said that the ban would level the playing field for local manufacturers and help to create jobs.

However, the ban has been met with some opposition from importers and dealers of second-hand commercial vehicles. They argue that the ban will increase the cost of transportation and make it more difficult for businesses to operate.

The government has said that it will provide support to the automotive sector to help it transition to the new reality. This includes providing financial assistance to local manufacturers and creating a program to train workers in the automotive sector.

The ban on the importation of second-hand commercial vehicles is expected to come into effect in January 2024.

In addition to the ban on second-hand commercial vehicles, Kuria also announced that he has invited Mr. Okaniwa Ken, the Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, to the upcoming CAIPs international conference in April 2024. CAIPs stands for the Conference on the African Industrial Policy. The conference will be held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kuria also said that he has committed to leading a Japan-Kenya business forum in October 2023. The forum will be organized by the Japanese government.

The Kenyan government is hoping that these initiatives will help to boost trade and investment between Kenya and Japan.