Kenyans looking to import second hand cars will now be required to part with some Ksh2000 additional fees for each unit brought into the country to help fight pests.
Those importing minibuses or vans may have to part with Ksh3,000 as pests inspection fees, while those bringing in buses or trucks could pay up to Ksh5,000 once the proposals are agreed upon and authenticated. Those importing heavy commercial machinery will be taken back Ksh10,000.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) had proposed Ksh5,000 for each motor vehicle coming into the country – but discussions are underway to ensure all stakeholders reach
“The Plant Protection (Decontamination of Used Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment) Rules 2021 were developed to provide a legal framework for mitigation of the risks associated with this pathway,” Kephis managing director Theophilus Mutui wrote to importers of used vehicles on May 6.
According to Kephis, imports of used vehicles and equipment often introduce pests or diseases, necessitating the publication of new regulations to curb the menace.
Other used equipment and associated parts
Motor vehicle dealers have, however, objected to the move, but are expected to contribute to the discussions which will be held on May 13.
“Kephis needs to show evidence of the threats they are describing,” Charles Munyori, the secretary-general of Kenya Auto Bazaar Association told Business Daily.
“We want to see the statistics they are relying on to introduce the regulations and set the fees. Hundreds of thousands of used cars have been imported into the country and we have not seen any danger.”
If adopted, exporters will be forced to sanitise motor vehicles in their home markets before shipping them to Kenya for sale.
“All used vehicles, machinery, equipment, motor boats and yachts imported into or imported and transiting through Kenya whether whole, disassembled or parts and associated accessories shall be required to have undergone phytosanitary decontamination prior to shipment to Kenya,” the draft rules say.
The inspection fee will also apply to other used equipment and associated parts.
Those importing aircraft, motorised boats and yachts could end up paying Ksh 20,000 once the proposals are adopted.