How to Import a Car to Kenya (2025 Complete Guide)

Importing a car to Kenya can save you significant money compared to buying locally — but only if you understand all the costs involved. This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing a source country to clearing your vehicle at the port.

Step 1: Choose Your Source Country

Kenya allows imports from three main markets: Japan, the United Kingdom, and the UAE. Each has its own advantages:

• Japan — Best selection, right-hand drive, excellent quality control. Most popular among Kenyan importers.
• United Kingdom — Right-hand drive, well-documented service history, Euro-standard emissions.
• UAE — Lower initial prices, but left-hand drive vehicles (not permitted for use in Kenya).

Step 2: Understand KRA Import Duties

This is where most first-time importers get caught off guard. The KRA uses a formula based on the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) — not the purchase price — to calculate duties.

Age Depreciation Schedule

KRA applies depreciation to the CRSP based on vehicle age:

Step 3: Verify the Vehicle

Before paying for any overseas vehicle, you must verify it thoroughly. Reputable auction houses like USS, JAA, and TAA in Japan provide full auction sheets, but you should also:

• Request a full condition report from a third-party inspection service
• Check the chassis number against the NTSA database
• Verify the engine size matches the listing (affects excise duty rate)
• Confirm the manufacture date — not just the model year
• Check for flood damage or major accident history

Step 4: Shipping and Documentation

Use only KBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) registered shipping agents. You will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• Bill of Lading (BL) — from the shipping company
• Commercial Invoice — showing the purchase price
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (logbook from country of origin)
• Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate
• Road Worthiness Certificate
• Insurance Certificate
• KRA PIN Certificate
• ID/Passport copy

Step 5: Clearing at the Port

Most vehicles arrive at the Port of Mombasa. The clearance process involves:

1. Engage a licensed customs clearing agent
2. Submit documents to KRA via the iCMS (integrated Customs Management System)
3. KRA raises a duty assessment based on CRSP
4. Pay duties via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or RTGS
5. NTSA inspection at the port
6. Collect the vehicle from the Container Freight Station (CFS)
7. Register the vehicle with NTSA and get Kenyan plates

Real Cost Example: Toyota Harrier 2021

Here is a real-world breakdown for a 2021 Toyota Harrier 2.0L (1998cc) imported from Japan in 2025:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on the purchase price for duty estimates — KRA uses CRSP, not purchase price
• Not verifying the exact engine cc — this changes your excise rate
• Using an unlicensed clearing agent
• Not budgeting for inland transport from Mombasa
• Forgetting NTSA registration costs and new insurance
• Choosing a vehicle over 8 years old