KRA Issues Tougher Rules on Foreign Registered Vehicles

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued new directives for motorists with vehicles that have foreign registration number plates.

According to KRA, these motorists will be forced to prove that they work in the countries of origin and they will be required to provide work permits or proof of residency.

Foreigners from the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (Comesa) will also be among those needed to provide proof of ownership for the vehicles and if they will be found to be agents of the owner, they will have power of attorney from them.

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

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“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,” said KRA and National Transport Safety Authority in a joint statement.

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

“Individuals without these documents will 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,” said the two agencies.

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.

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

KRA said vehicles whose owners did not meet the conditions should re-export them or risk having them impounded.

Some Kenyans have been using foreign registered vehicles, especially from neighboring countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania among others, considering they are cheaper, with some allowing older vehicles into their markets.