In recent years, vehicles with foreign license plates, particularly those from Tanzania and Uganda, have become more common on Kenyan roadways.
These vehicles which are purchased from outside the country are often seen as cheap, explaining the influx of vehicles with foreign plates on Kenyan roads.
However, while they seem common, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have laid down requirements for driving such vehicles in Kenya.
In this article, WoK seeks to address what one will need to drive a car with foreign licence plates on Kenyan roads.
Users of these vehicles are required by KRA and NTSA to provide documentation of their residency or work permit, as well as confirmation that they were employed in their country of origin.
Foreign nationals from the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) must show proof of ownership or, in the case of an agent, a power of attorney from the owner.
In addition to demonstrating that they carry out diplomatic duties, diplomats must also demonstrate their diplomatic status.
The foreign operator from an EAC or COMESA country must have a valid temporary importation of road vehicles form (Form C32), which is issued at a border station, in order to be granted entrance approval.
Even with all the paperwork, the owners of the cars will still need to apply online through the eCitizen portal for a foreign motor vehicle permit.
A valid work permit or proof of residency, if one is a Kenyan, and a foreign motor vehicle registration book in one’s name are prerequisites for obtaining a Form C32.
In addition, if the operator is the owner’s agent, they must have a current power of attorney or authorization from the motor vehicle owner and diplomats must provide documentation of their continuing diplomatic status.
One must also provide evidence that they are employed in a diplomatic position.
Once the form is obtained, there are a few steps that must be followed.
These include getting a free seven-day temporary permit at border entry points, a free seven-day foreign permit for vehicles traveling to neighboring countries and a paid-for foreign permit for vehicles touring Kenya with permanent international circulation.
To enter Kenya on a business trip, a vehicle must have a paid foreign permit granted under the East African Treaty or the COMESA Treaty.