CIAK Opposes Reduction on Age Limit for Second-Hand Car Imports

By Vera Shawiza / January 16, 2019 | 11:09 am

The proposal to reduce the age limit for imported second-hand cars has received major opposition from car importers.

The Car Importers Association of Kenya (CIAK) termed the move as not only malicious but as a way to benefit some few interested parties that are after taking over the second-hand car importation sector.

If the proposal is implemented, CIAK discloses that Kenyans will have to pay between 300,000 shillings and 400,000 shillings more from the current prices to be able to own a second-hand car which in turn will deny potential customers the opportunity to afford a car.

The Second-hand vehicle business has been booming at a very high rate in Kenya as more people are able to afford vehicles.

ALSO READ: Second-Hand Vehicle Imports to Cost More After Reduction on Age Limit

CIAK has disclosed that a Toyota Fielder that is currently going for 1.2 million shillings could end up retailing at 1.7 million shillings while a Vitz that goes for 700,000 shillings could increase to around 1.2 million shillings if the proposed move is implemented.

CIAK chairman Peter Otieno disclosed that apart from affecting the growth of the Kenyan economy, the move could also affect the collection of vehicle taxes since business will have declined.

According to Mr. Otieno, stakeholders in the sector were not involved on the discussed before the move was passed noting that they had earlier on had an agreement with Trade Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed to hold consultations with them before any action was taken.

Trade Secretary Peter Munya had directed the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to immediately draft legal amendments on reducing the age limit for second-hand car imports from eight years to five years.

About Vera Shawiza

Vera Shawiza is Soko Directory’s in-house journalist. Her zealous nature ensures that sufficient and relevant content is generated for the Soko Directory website and sourcing information from clients is easy as smooth sailing.Vera can be reached at: (020) 528 0222 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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