Ban on used car parts to cost Sh2bn

What you need to know:

  • But quality regulator insists the spares are of inferior standards as traders cry foul

More than Sh2 billion will be lost monthly should the ban on importation of used motor vehicle spare parts take effect.

The ban will also see thousands of Kenyans working directly and indirectly in the industry lose jobs.

According to quality controls regulator Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) the spare parts lacked proper ways of ascertaining their quality standards.

“These parts are not covered by our standards and their quality cannot be established through testing,” said Kebs managing director Kioko Mang’eli.

It is estimated that there are more than one million cars in Kenya, most of whose owners rely on imported second hand spare parts.

Mr Mang’eli said the dealers had been informed that the ban of used spare parts would take effect this year. “We are out to protect the consumer from buying goods of inferior quality,” he added.

“All consignments entering the airports and Mombasa port will be checked to ensure that the spares do not find their way into the country,” said Mr Mang’eli.

But businessmen on Tuesday dismissed the Kebs directive saying the cost of new spare parts would cost them huge losses.

Motorists also opposed the move saying many vehicles would be grounded.

Those interviewed by Nation said Kebs acted without consulting major stakeholders in the motor vehicle industry.

Matatu Owners Association chairman Mr Simon Kimutai said should the ban take effect, many vehicles will rot since the owners could not afford new spares.

Create monopolies

Auto spares stores selling second hand spares said the ban would cost their business dearly.

“This is a big blow to the motor vehicle industry,” said a businesswoman Ms Nancy Ndichu of PMK Auto spares in Nairobi’s industrial area.

“Some of us have already ordered consignments awaiting to dock at the port of Mombasa.”

She said the new directive will create monopolies where dealers can charge whatever they want.

The chairman of Motor Vehicle Association of Kenya Mr Peter Murima said the used spares were beneficial to vehicle owners because they are not only affordable but of better quality than most of new parts.

Others said the move would cripple the common man by denying him a chance to own a car.