Regulatory body KEBS scrutinized for considering hiring company to authenticate vehicle import documents
The National Assembly Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Committee is delving into the questionable engagement of Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to validate import documents for used motor vehicles.
The committee aims to establish if the process of QISJ's engagement bypassed the competitive procurement channels required by Kenyan public procurement laws. Reports suggest that KEBS contracted QISJ without adhering to the competitive procurement procedures mandated by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
KEBS has issued a notice about engaging QISJ to validate import documents, with the aim of determining the age of vehicles before importation. However, this decision has been met with controversy, as the current inspection fee in Japan is approximately Sh20,000 (or USD 155), significantly higher than the new import documents validation fee of Sh12,000 imposed by Kebs.
The committee intends to question Kebs about the procurement process of QISJ's services and seek information about the criteria used to select QISJ, as well as whether there were other local or international firms considered.
The committee is also concerned about the impact of this verification process on trade facilitation, ease of doing business, particularly for small and medium-scale vehicle importers, and port efficiency and customs clearance timelines.
In addition, the committee plans to investigate if there is a clear explanation of the legal and regulatory basis for issuing the notice and the justification for the validation fee. The committee also aims to understand if there is an appellate or review mechanism for disputes arising from adverse findings by QISJ that may be inconsistent with information availed to importers at purchase.
The committee will further investigate how Kebs ensured that the new process does not duplicate existing mandates, particularly regarding verification of vehicle registration documents. The committee also plans to establish if QISJ has been formally accredited by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) or any other recognized accreditation body.
The new import documents validation fee has raised concerns among the public due to potential increased cost of imported motor vehicles. The committee has summoned Juma Mukhwana, Esther Ngaari, and Walter Ongeti to discuss the matter on Thursday.
According to the Economic Survey 2024, a total of 119,205 motor vehicles were registered in Kenya, out of which 78,127 were used motor vehicles, representing 66% of all motor vehicles registered. If the 2023 import volume of 78,127 motor vehicles is considered, the contracted validation agent could generate approximately Sh1 billion from this process, which is a substantial economic exploitation of the Kenyan people and an additional burden to tightened household budgets.
The committee's investigation will also cover the role of Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), or any other agency in relation to vehicle document verification. The committee's findings could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the current import verification process and ensure transparency and fairness for all parties involved.
[1] Official KEBS notice dated July 2025 [2] The Standard, 1st August 2025 [3] The Daily Nation, 3rd August 2025 [4] Business Daily Africa, 5th August 2025
The committee will question Kebs about the criteria used in the selection of epaper company QISJ for validating import documents, and will also explore if the business engagement of QISJ bypassed the competitive procurement procedures required by Kenyan public finance law. Due to the significant difference between the current inspection fee in Japan and the new import documents validation fee imposed by Kebs, the committee plans to investigate the legal and regulatory basis for issuing the notice and the justification for this disparity in fees.
