- Author: Raymond
- Category: COMESA Yellow Card Insurance
COMESA Yellow Card Notice: What the New Direction Means for Foreign-Registered Vehicles in Kenya
Motorists, tourists, importers and cross-border transport operators need to take note of an important compliance reminder concerning the issuance of COMESA Yellow Cards in Kenya.
Kenyan insurance companies have been reminded that they should not routinely issue COMESA Yellow Cards for motor vehicles that are not registered with Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This changes the practical position for clients who previously approached a Kenyan insurer or insurance intermediary to obtain a Yellow Card for a foreign-registered vehicle while it was already in Kenya.
The direction cites section 2.7.6 of the COMESA Yellow Card Operations Manual. It is best understood as an enforcement and compliance clarification, rather than a statement that every foreign vehicle is completely excluded from the Yellow Card Scheme.
What is a COMESA Yellow Card?
The COMESA Yellow Card is a regional third-party motor insurance certificate used by motorists travelling across participating countries. It provides third-party legal liability protection and compensation for certain medical expenses arising from road traffic accidents in a participating country.
According to COMESA, a Yellow Card issued in one participating country is recognised in the other countries participating in the Scheme, subject to the applicable rules and the laws of the country where an accident occurs. It is not comprehensive motor insurance and does not automatically cover damage to the insured vehicle.
Official COMESA information is available through the COMESA Trade and Customs Division.
What does the notice say?
The communication reminds Kenyan primary insurance companies that issuing a COMESA Yellow Card to a motorist whose vehicle is not registered with NTSA is prohibited, except in the specific cases allowed by the COMESA Yellow Card Operations Manual.
In practical terms, a foreign-registered vehicle should generally obtain its Yellow Card from an authorised insurer in the country where the vehicle is registered and where its primary motor insurance has been issued—not after arriving in Kenya and seeking a stand-alone Yellow Card from a Kenyan insurer.
Which foreign vehicles may still qualify under the exceptions?
The notice identifies limited exceptions for non-resident vehicles. These include:
- Tourists and visitors entering the COMESA region.
- Imported vehicles with temporary registration numbers that are travelling through three or more countries, including the country of departure.
- Vehicles falling under either exception must have an underlying primary motor insurance policy. A Yellow Card cannot validly stand on its own without the required primary cover.
Eligibility is not automatic merely because a vehicle is foreign-registered. The registration country, travel route, purpose of travel, temporary-registration status and primary insurance documentation must be reviewed before a card is issued.
What has changed for clients in Kenya?
Previously, a client with a foreign-registered vehicle could in practice approach us in Kenya and request COMESA Yellow Card insurance. Following this compliance reminder, Kenyan insurers are expected to stop issuing cards outside the permitted exceptions.
For example, the owner of a vehicle registered in another participating Yellow Card country should normally arrange the Yellow Card through an authorised insurer in that vehicle's country of registration before crossing the border.
A tourist arriving from outside the Yellow Card Scheme, or an imported vehicle moving on temporary registration through at least three countries, may still be considered under the exceptions. However, supporting documents and valid primary motor insurance will be required, and the insurer must confirm eligibility before issuing the card.
Why motorists should not ignore this direction
The notice warns that claims arising from accidents involving Yellow Cards issued contrary to the directive will not be handled by the National Bureaux of the respective member states.
That is a serious risk. A document may appear valid at first glance, but if it was issued outside the Scheme rules, the motorist could face problems when a claim occurs. The purpose of checking eligibility is therefore not paperwork for its own sake—it protects the motorist and injured third parties when the cover is needed most.
What should you do before travelling?
If you plan to drive a vehicle across borders in the COMESA region:
- Arrange the Yellow Card before beginning the journey, preferably through an authorised insurer in the vehicle's country of registration.
- Keep the vehicle's primary motor insurance active for the full travel period.
- Confirm that every destination and transit country is recognised under the Yellow Card Scheme.
- Carry the vehicle registration document, primary insurance certificate, identification and travel or import documents.
- If the vehicle has temporary registration, provide the full route and evidence that the journey meets the applicable transit requirements.
- Do not rely on a stand-alone Yellow Card issued without underlying primary motor insurance.
- Ask the insurer or intermediary to verify eligibility before you pay.
Does this affect Kenyan-registered vehicles travelling outside Kenya?
The notice specifically addresses cards issued in Kenya for vehicles that are not registered with NTSA. Kenyan-registered vehicles with valid Kenyan primary motor insurance may still obtain COMESA Yellow Card cover for eligible cross-border travel through participating countries, subject to underwriting requirements.
How Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd can assist
Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd can help motorists understand the requirements, confirm the documents needed and arrange eligible COMESA Yellow Card cover through licensed insurance partners.
For a foreign-registered vehicle, we will first establish the country of registration, primary insurance status, purpose of travel and complete route. If the vehicle does not meet the permitted exceptions, we will explain where the Yellow Card should be obtained rather than issue cover that may later fail at the claims stage.
For insurance quotation comparison and assistance, visit imanainsurance.com, learn more at imana.co.ke, or explore travel and insurance solutions at mykava.co.ke.
Call or WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402
Office: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
Email: insurance@imana.co.ke
Author: Raymond Momanyi, Founder & CEO, Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a COMESA Yellow Card in Kenya for a Ugandan-, Tanzanian- or Rwandan-registered vehicle?
Not as a routine transaction merely because the vehicle is currently in Kenya. The card should generally be arranged in the country where the vehicle is registered and where its primary policy originates. Any claimed exception must be checked and approved by the insurer.
Can a foreign tourist obtain a Yellow Card after entering the COMESA region?
Tourists and visitors are listed among the exceptions in the notice, but they must still have valid underlying primary motor insurance and satisfy the insurer's documentation and eligibility checks.
Can an imported vehicle on temporary plates obtain a Yellow Card?
It may qualify when it has a temporary registration number and is transiting three or more countries, including the country of departure. The route and supporting documents must be verified.
Is a COMESA Yellow Card the same as comprehensive insurance?
No. It is primarily a regional third-party liability arrangement. It does not automatically insure accidental damage, theft or other loss affecting your own vehicle.
What happens if a Yellow Card was issued contrary to the directive?
The communication states that National Bureaux will not handle claims arising from road traffic accidents involving cards issued in contravention of the directive. Motorists should therefore verify compliance before travelling.
Important notice
This article explains the industry communication supplied to Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd and is intended for general public information. Individual eligibility depends on the vehicle's registration, primary policy, journey and documents. Requirements may be clarified or updated by COMESA, Kenya Re, the relevant National Bureau, regulators or participating insurers. Always obtain written confirmation before commencing a cross-border journey.
