What it takes to legally own or drive a car with foreign number plates in Kenya @KenyanTraffic

Motorists using vehicles bearing foreign registration number plates are subjected to tough conditions.

NTSA & KRA jointly say those using such vehicles have to prove they worked in the countries of origin and submit work permits or proof of residency.

Foreigners from the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (Comesa) are not spared and have to provide proof of ownership and if they are an agent of the owner, have power of attorney from them.

Diplomats also have to prove their diplomatic status in addition to proving they work in a diplomatic capacity.

Prior to gaining entry approval, the foreign operator from EAC and Comesa countries must have a valid temporary importation of road vehicles form (Form C32) which is issued at a border station.

Meanwhile, foreigners from outside the two regional blocs have to produce valid international circulation permits from countries of origin or pass sheets.

Individuals without these documents are not be allowed entry into or to locally operate a foreign registered motor vehicle, and any such vehicle operated without the above will be impounded.

Even with all the documents, the car owners will have to apply for a foreign motor vehicle permit, which will be done online via the eCitizen portal.

Applicants will need the Form C32 or an endorsed international circulation permit from the country of origin as well as Comesa insurance.

Kenyans have been using foreign registered vehicles, especially from the Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania, considering they are cheaper, with some allowing older vehicles into their markets.

While Kenya currently only allows importation of vehicles up to eight years, Tanzania allows imports of cars as old as 10 years and only recently did Uganda pass a law limiting importation of vehicles manufactured more than 15 years ago. Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, on the other hand, have no formal age limits for used cars.

EAC member states are racing against time to finalise talks on proposals to lower the age limit for imported used cars by 2021.   

Kenya already announced plans to limit the age of used vehicles with engine capacity above 1500cc imported to five instead of the current eight years.

See the legal requirements