Energy sector regulator, the ERC is set to bring into effect new motor vehicle carbon emission rules that could see the cost of popular used imported cars increase significantly beginning July.
The new levy comes in the form of carbon emission fees the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) plans to charge on imported vehicles that emit fumes beyond a yet-to-be
determined level.
Buyers of eco-friendly cars would be offered rebates.
The ERC’s feebates (fee/rebates) plan will require owners of cars with carbon emissions in excess of the benchmark to pay a fee on top of the purchase price. Those whose emissions are below the benchmark would get a rebate depending on
how far the emissions fall below the set limit.
“We are in talks with the Treasury and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to bring the regulations into effect in July,” said Peter
Kaigwara, the ERC’s senior manager in charge of environmental health and safety.
Mr Kaigwara said that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had agreed to widen its inspection of vehicles to include carbon emissions.
The agency will be required to establish testing centres where motorists can take their vehicles and know their emission levels. Part of the plan is to help Kenya map and check its carbon footprint at a time when
rising affluence is getting ever more cars on Kenyan roads.
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