Chapter 01 — The Overview
Calculate the full cost of your import upfront before you commit to a single shilling.
KRA import duty, excise, VAT, port charges, NTSA registration — all calculated upfront. No clearing agent surprises. No hidden costs discovered at the port.
Before you buy
Six rules that determine if your car can enter Kenya.
The rules are not complicated. But breaking any one of them — importing a 9-year-old car, a left-hand drive, or skipping pre-shipment inspection — means your car stays at the port until you've paid the penalty or it gets shipped back. Read these before you browse a single auction sheet.
Age Limit (8-Year Rule)
Only vehicles less than 8 years old from their date of first registration are allowed. For 2026, vehicles first registered in 2019 or later are eligible. This limit advances by one year every January 1st.
Age Limit (8-Year Rule)
Only vehicles less than 8 years old from their date of first registration are allowed. For 2026, vehicles first registered in 2019 or later are eligible. This limit advances by one year every January 1st.
Right-Hand Drive Only
Kenya only allows importation of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited except for special-purpose vehicles like ambulances with prior approval.
Right-Hand Drive Only
Kenya only allows importation of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited except for special-purpose vehicles like ambulances with prior approval.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
All vehicles must undergo a mandatory roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent before shipment. For Japan, the approved agent is JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center). For UAE and South Africa, QISJ is the designated agent. Missing this inspection incurs a 20% penalty on duty.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
All vehicles must undergo a mandatory roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent before shipment. For Japan, the approved agent is JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center). For UAE and South Africa, QISJ is the designated agent. Missing this inspection incurs a 20% penalty on duty.
Emissions & Safety Standards
Vehicles must comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) emission and safety requirements before registration on Kenyan roads.
Emissions & Safety Standards
Vehicles must comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) emission and safety requirements before registration on Kenyan roads.
KRA PIN Required
Importers must have a valid Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Number (PIN) to clear vehicles through customs.
KRA PIN Required
Importers must have a valid Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Number (PIN) to clear vehicles through customs.
Licensed Clearing Agent
A licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent is mandatory for processing vehicle clearance at the port of entry.
Licensed Clearing Agent
A licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent is mandatory for processing vehicle clearance at the port of entry.
The full journey
Ten steps from auction house to your driveway.
Importing a car to Kenya is a coordinated process across three countries, four government agencies, and a timeline of roughly three to four months from purchase to plates. This is the full picture — so nothing catches you off-guard at the port.
Know Before You Import
Master the end-to-end journey from a Japanese auction house directly to your driveway in Kenya.
Know Before You Import
From auction house to your driveway — the full picture.
Purchase Vehicle
Buy your vehicle from a reputable dealer in Japan, UK, UAE, or other source country. Ensure it meets Kenya's age and RHD requirements.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Have the vehicle inspected by a KEBS-approved agent (JEVIC for Japan, QISJ for UK) to obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness.
Shipping Arrangements
Choose between RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or Container shipping. RoRo is cheaper ($850-$1,800 from Japan), containers offer more protection.
Obtain Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Apply for an IDF from KRA before the vehicle arrives at Mombasa Port. This is mandatory for all imported goods.
Port Arrival & Documentation
Receive arrival notice from shipping line. Submit Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice, IDF, and inspection certificate to your clearing agent.
Customs Declaration & Duty Payment
Your clearing agent lodges documents in KRA's Simba System. After assessment, pay all applicable duties (Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, IDF fee, RDL) through approved banks.
Vehicle Verification
Customs officers physically inspect the vehicle to verify chassis/engine numbers. KEBS confirms compliance with safety and emission standards.
Customs Release
After successful verification and payment confirmation, customs issues a Release Order allowing the vehicle to leave the port.
NTSA Registration
Register the vehicle with NTSA through the TIMS platform. Submit required documents for Kenyan number plate and digital logbook issuance.
Collect Your Vehicle
Transport the vehicle from Mombasa to your location (trucking ~KES 25,000 to Nairobi) and enjoy your new car on Kenyan roads!
Steps 7–10 are covered chapter by chapter in the Import Journey.
Start Chapter 2What you're actually paying
Every cost, explained before you commit.
The sticker price of a car from Japan is only the beginning. By the time your vehicle reaches your driveway, KRA has added import duty, excise duty, and VAT. The port adds clearance charges. NTSA adds registration fees. And your clearing agent adds their professional fee.
None of these are surprises if you know the rates. Here they are.
KRA Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
35% of Customs ValueThe primary tax on imported vehicles. Calculated on the Customs Value, which is the higher of your actual CIF or KRA's Depreciated CRSP. In practice, KRA almost always uses the Depreciated CRSP.
Excise Duty
10-35% of (CIF + Import Duty)Varies by engine capacity and fuel type. Electric vehicles: flat 10%. Petrol/Diesel ≤1500cc = 20%, 1501-2999cc = 25%, ≥3000cc petrol / ≥2500cc diesel = 35%.
VAT
16% of (CIF + Import + Excise Duty)Value Added Tax applied on the cumulative value of all prior costs and duties.
IDF Fee
2.5% of Customs Value (min KES 5,000)Import Declaration Fee charged by KRA for processing the import declaration. Calculated on the Customs Value.
Railway Development Levy
2% of Customs ValueLevy calculated on the Customs Value to fund railway infrastructure development in Kenya.
Port & Clearing Charges
Clearing Agent Fee
KES 15,000 - 40,000Professional fee paid to a licensed customs clearing agent to handle port documentation and KRA processing. Rates vary by engine capacity and agent.
Verification Fee
~KES 15,000Paid at port for physical verification of the vehicle's chassis and engine numbers by customs officers.
Interpol Fee
~KES 15,000Mandatory check against Interpol's stolen vehicle database to confirm the vehicle has no criminal record.
MSS Levy
~KES 2,000Maritime Security Services levy charged by Kenya Ports Authority for port security operations.
Radiation Fee
~KES 1,000Fee for radiation scanning of the vehicle at the port as a security and safety measure.
NTSA Sticker
~KES 800Third-identifier sticker issued by NTSA, affixed to the windscreen for vehicle identification.
IDF Processing
KES 2,000Administrative fee for processing the Import Declaration Form at the port.
Registration & Number Plates
KES 15,000 - 23,000Covers NTSA first registration, number plate issuance, and digital logbook generation via the TIMS system.
Shipping Costs (to Mombasa)
Japan RoRo
USD 800 - 1,800Roll-on/Roll-off from Japan to Mombasa. Rate varies by vehicle size — compact cars sit at the lower end, large SUVs and trucks at the higher end. Transit: 30-45 days.
Japan Container (20ft)
USD 1,600 - 2,500Dedicated 20ft container from Japan to Mombasa. More protection for the vehicle and allows personal items inside. Transit: 30-45 days.
UK RoRo
£740 - £1,400Roll-on/Roll-off from UK ports to Mombasa. Covers standard saloons through SUVs and 4x4s. Personal items not permitted inside during transit. Transit: 26-30 days.
UK Container (20ft)
£1,355 - £2,480Dedicated 20ft container for one vehicle. More secure and ideal for high-value cars or shipping with personal items. Transit: 26-30 days.
UAE RoRo
USD 800 - 2,000Roll-on/Roll-off from Dubai/Sharjah to Mombasa. Covers sedans through large SUVs and 4x4s. Shortest transit of all routes at 14-21 days.
UAE Container (20ft)
USD 1,400 - 2,500Dedicated 20ft container from Jebel Ali Port to Mombasa. Ideal for higher-value vehicles or when shipping alongside personal belongings. Transit: 14-21 days.
Other Costs
Pre-Shipment Inspection
USD 100 - 200JEVIC/QISJ inspection in the country of origin.
Marine Insurance
1.5-2% of vehicle valueInsurance covering the vehicle during shipping.
Local Transport (Mombasa-Nairobi)
~KES 25,000Trucking cost from Mombasa port to Nairobi.