Break up cartels making vehicle ownership a nightmare for many

Car yard along Ngong Road, Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

The Government should come down hard on criminal elements smuggling vehicles across the borders into Kenya. An investigative report carried elsewhere in this newspaper, reveals how vehicles stolen from other countries get clearance and unsuspecting owners in Kenya.

This is not only shocking but also indicts several government bodies, looking the other way as illegalities happen and expose many to untold dangers.

Even more worrying is the fact that the agencies have failed in very basic duties. The motor vehicle market is lucrative as more Kenyans became able to own cars, but it is unfortunate that the Government cannot protect them from unscrupulous dealers.

The cartel running this dubious business is operating right under the nose of relevant authorities without fear of repercussions. This is so because some of them allegedly have roots deep inside the critical agencies tasked with sale of motor vehicles.

The illicit trade is infringing on the rights of law-abiding businessmen who follow proper channels to carry out their business. The mere fact that a few individuals can sneak in vehicles and sell them without any punishment from the authorities is an affront to genuine business people.

By allowing such illegalities, the agencies are denying the country needed revenue from the sector. The authorities must urgently clamp down on this illegal trade. This will involve Kenya working with relevant authorities in countries that have been identified as hotspots.

There is also need to tighten border control for to curb such trade. Having been categorised as a lower-middle-income country, Kenya is bound to attract business from its neighbours in the region and this will only lead to more cartels seeking to cash in on the opportunities.

Loopholes that exist along the chain must be identified and sealed. There is also need to audit the systems of the National Transport Authority (NTSA) which could have been infiltrated by the crooks. That said, the law must catch up with the culprits and do more to instill confidence among Kenyans.

Still, vehicle ownership is a national security issue, which must be safeguarded. In the past, terror elements have used illegally registered vehicles to launch their attacks on innocent people. This is unacceptable in this day and age, where digital registration, identification and ownership can easily be achieved.

The authorities must therefore step up their game and make vehicle importation, dealership, registration and ownership more transparent and foolproof. It can be done.

Related Topics

Vehicle Ownership