Kenya Bureau of Standards allows re-export of old cars impounded at Mombasa Port

By PATRICK BEJA

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has allowed some importers of vehicles aged above eight years to re-export them instead of them being crushed.

The vehicles have been impounded by government authorities over time and stored at various container freight stations in Mombasa. Recently there were reports that they would be crushed for flouting Kenya's safety and import regulations.

Following threats by Kenya Revenue Authority KRA to destroy thousands of impounded vehicles some importers went to court to block the planned destruction while other sought permission to re-export them.

Kebs has however urged the Association of Importers of Motor Vehicles (AIMV) whose members have reportedly imported 3000 vehicles aged more than eight years to seek clearance of other government agencies such as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

AIMV national chairman Peter Mambembe who applied for Kebs re-export permission termed the move as a relief to members.

"The 3000 used vehicles are worth Sh900 million and they may end up being crushed by the state," Mambembe said.

Kebs does not allow the import of vehicles aged more than eight years as they do not meet Kenyan standards allowed on the local roads.