The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced that foreign drivers whose car permits have expired will be arrested on the spot when discovered.
The new order comes after the transport authority discovered that the number of foreign-registered private vehicles within the Kenyan borders has risen significantly.
The foreign drivers include those from East Africa Community (EAC) member states, which include Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi.
To foster easy cross-border movement, private vehicles from these states are issued with permits, free of charge, for seven days and after that, the stipulated fees are paid.
Foreign permits are only valid for 90 days from the date of issue and anyone with expired permits are required to regularise them with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs Department at the point of entry,the NTSA notice read in part.
The KRA guidelines stipulate that vehicles with less than 2,000cc engine capacity pay Sh2,000 for a one-month permit and Sh5,000 for a three-month licence.
Vehicles with a 2,001cc capacity or higher are required to remit Sh4,000 for a one-month licence and Sh10,000 for three months.
The permit remains valid for the three months and may be renewed upon expiry after every three months but not for more than 12 months.
First-time offenders will be required to pay a Sh200,000 fine or be jailed for six months or both.
Repeat offenders, according to the traffic laws,will pay a Sh500,000 fine or be imprisoned for one year or both.
