Vehicle and car import to Kenya with shipping, customs clearance and registration support.

Vehicle import requirements, duties and process in Kenya

Kenya remains one of East Africa's largest markets for imported vehicles. Whether you're importing a car from Japan, a 4x4 from UAE, or a commercial vehicle from South Africa, Kenya Tradex helps manage the shipping, compliance, customs, inspection and registration steps required before the vehicle reaches the road legally.

Looking to ship other goods? See our ocean freight services, our South Africa vehicle import guide, or shipping from Dubai.

• Vehicle Shipping: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping from Japan, UAE, UK, and South Africa.
• QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection: Coordination with QISJ for vehicle inspection at origin before shipping.
• Customs Clearance: Full KRA processing at Mombasa port - import duty, excise duty, VAT, and IDF fees based on engine capacity.
• Door-to-Door Delivery: We deliver vehicles to Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, and other regional destinations after customs clearance.
• NTSA Registration: Road registration and number plate acquisition support.

Popular Vehicle Import Markets

Kenya Vehicle Import Requirements

• Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Only: Kenya only permits Right-Hand Drive vehicles. Left-Hand Drive vehicles are not allowed, regardless of age or condition.
• Maximum Age: Used passenger vehicles must not exceed 8 years from the year of manufacture.
• QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection: All vehicles must be inspected at origin by QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan). A valid QISJ certificate is required for customs clearance in Kenya.
• KEBS Local Inspection Surcharge: If a vehicle arrives without a QISJ inspection certificate, KEBS charges a 5% surcharge for local inspection. Pre-shipment inspection is strongly recommended to avoid additional costs.
• NTSA Registration: All vehicles must be registered with National Transport and Safety Authority before road use.
• Avoiding Problem Vehicles: Be cautious when buying from markets like Dubai where accident-repaired vehicles are common. Always request a pre-purchase inspection report before committing to a purchase.

Import Taxes and Duties

Kenya imposes several taxes on imported vehicles. Import duty and excise duty are determined by engine capacity and fuel type:

* Rates are subject to change. Contact Kenya Tradex for a detailed cost estimate based on your specific vehicle.

How to import a vehicle to Kenya

• Step 1: Purchase your Right-Hand Drive vehicle and obtain original logbook and invoice from the seller. Be cautious of accident-repaired vehicles, especially from markets like Dubai.
• Step 2: Book a pre-shipment inspection with QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan). A valid QISJ certificate is required for smooth customs clearance and avoids a 5% KEBS surcharge for local inspection.
• Step 3: Book shipping through Kenya Tradex. Choose RoRo or container shipping based on your vehicle and budget.
• Step 4: Kenya Tradex applies for KRA Import Declaration Form (IDF) before cargo arrives.
• Step 5: Customs clearance at Mombasa port - Kenya Tradex handles duty payments and documentation. Present your QISJ certificate to avoid the KEBS local inspection surcharge.
• Step 6: NTSA road registration and door-to-door delivery to Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, or your preferred location.

Vehicle import questions

• Can I import a used car to Kenya?
  Yes, but only Right-Hand Drive vehicles are permitted. Left-Hand Drive vehicles are not allowed in Kenya regardless of age. Used vehicles must be under 8 years old and require a valid QISJ inspection certificate. Kenya Tradex handles the entire import process from origin to door-to-door delivery.
• What are the import duties for cars in Kenya?
  Kenya charges a flat import duty of 35% of the customs value for all vehicles, regardless of engine capacity. Additionally, imported vehicles attract Excise duty (20-35% depending on engine size and fuel type), VAT (16%), and IDF fees. Contact Kenya Tradex for a detailed cost estimate.
• How long does it take to import a car to Kenya?
  Import time varies by origin: Japan takes 20-30 days, UAE 7-12 days, UK 20-30 days, and South Africa 7-14 days. After arrival at Mombasa, customs clearance typically takes 3-7 days. Total process: 3-6 weeks depending on origin and documentation readiness.
• What documents do I need to import a vehicle to Kenya?
  Required documents include: Original Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, KRA Import Declaration Form (IDF), and a valid QISJ inspection certificate. Note: Export certificate of origin is not required. Kenya Tradex handles the customs clearance process.
• Can returning residents import a vehicle duty-free?
  Yes. Kenyan citizens who have resided abroad for 12 months or more may qualify for duty-free vehicle import under specific Kenya Customs conditions. Key requirements: the vehicle must have been owned and used abroad for at least 12 months prior to import; the importer must return to Kenya and clear the car through customs within 3 months of their arrival; and during the 12 months abroad, the person must not have spent more than 90 days in Kenya. Kenya Tradex assists returning residents with eligibility assessment and documentation for duty-free clearance.