Kenya is considering adopting United Nations vehicle standards that would change how imported cars are assessed and how vehicles assembled locally are manufactured and tested.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport said the proposed move would bring the country’s automotive industry in line with international requirements on vehicle safety, emissions, construction and roadworthiness.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, November 3, the ministry invited members of the public, professional organisations and institutions to give their views on Kenya’s planned accession to the UN World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).
The forum is attended by specialists from over 56 countries who work to set up universal standards for designing, manufacturing, testing and inspecting the cars.
According to the ministry, adoption of the regulations will assist Kenya to enhance its road safety situation while at the same time improving its energy efficiency and minimizing pollution resulting from road transport.
If Kenya adopts the framework, the imported vehicles and their parts would be measured according to international standards of safety and technology.
In addition, local manufacturers of vehicles and spare parts producers would also need to modify their processes of manufacture and testing.
The proposed changes would extend beyond the initial approval of vehicles. They would also cover regular inspections, recognition of inspection certificates and checks to ensure vehicles continue to meet the required standards while in use.
The ministry said implementing the framework would require improvements to the country’s vehicle testing, approval and inspection systems, as well as stronger enforcement.
The move comes at a time when Kenya continues to depend heavily on imported vehicles and automotive parts.
A report by the ministry showed that the country imported vehicles worth Ksh131.6 billion in 2025. Spare parts and related accessories accounted for another Ksh18.4 billion.
During the same year, 13,692 vehicles were assembled locally, while vehicle assembly plants operated at about 30 per cent of their capacity.
The government believes adopting international standards could help attract investment into the local automotive industry, create jobs and give Kenyan-made vehicles and components a better chance of accessing foreign markets.
The ministry also said the move would support efforts to improve the safety and quality of vehicles on Kenyan roads.
Members of the public and other interested parties have until Monday, November 30, to submit their recommendations through the ministry’s official website, by email or through physical delivery to the State Department for Roads.
The ministry said consultations would also be held both physically and virtually as it gathers views on the proposed adoption of the UN regulations.