Ban on importation of used cars suspended

Used cars.

Lawmakers have suspended implementation of a ban on importation of eight-year-old used cars in a major win for car dealers.

The proposed National Automotive Policy, which seeks to gradually reduce the age of imported second hand cars from the current eight years to five years before finally phasing off the imports, was set to take effect this July.

But National Assembly’s Trade, Industry and Cooperative Committee, chaired by Kanini Kega (Kieni), Tuesday declared the policy a “roadside pronouncement” that has no legal backing thus stand suspended.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, while appearing before the team, admitted that the proposal had not been subjected to public participation and rigorous approval processes by Parliament.

Mr Munya also softened his stance on the policy when he told the committee that the Government was willing to postpone the ban for one year so as to engage the importers who have protested over possible massive job losses in the sector.

The CS also expressed frustrations with MPs, blaming the lawmakers for not offering alternative solutions in the matter but were only quick in poking holes.

Kega declared that dealers would continue importing used cars until the policy is subjected to public participation and subsequent approval by the House.

“I want you to confirm to the people out there that the status quo remains until the policy is approved because this matter has caused a lot of anxiety,” said the MP.

In response, Munya said: “Status quo obviously remains because I don’t have powers to enact laws. This is a draft policy that has not been concluded. But I don’t want to call it a roadside declaration because it is a Government document.”

The committee blamed Munya for trying to rush the policy without looking at its implication to the economy.