Vehicle Eligibility & Requirements
Key requirements your vehicle must meet before import to Kenya
Age Limit (8-Year Rule)
Only vehicles that are less than 8 years old from the date of first registration are allowed. For 2025, vehicles registered in 2018 or newer are permitted. For 2026, it's 2019 or newer.
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 in the country of origin by a KEBS-appointed agent such as JEVIC (Japan) or QISJ (UK). Missing this incurs a 20% penalty.
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.
Licensed Clearing Agent
A licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent is mandatory for processing vehicle clearance at the port of entry.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Complete guide from purchase to registration
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!
Mombasa Port Procedures
What happens when your vehicle arrives at the Port of Mombasa
Arrival Notice
The shipping line issues an Arrival Notice once the vessel docks at Mombasa. Your clearing agent receives notification and begins the documentation process.
Document Submission
Required documents include: Original Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice, Pre-Export Inspection Certificate, IDF, KRA PIN Certificate, and National ID.
KRA Simba System Processing
Your clearing agent submits all documents through KRA's Simba System for review of vehicle value, inspection status, and import eligibility.
Duty Assessment & Payment
KRA assesses applicable duties and taxes. Payment is made through approved banks or online platforms. All charges must be settled before release.
Physical Inspection
Customs officers verify chassis and engine numbers. KEBS inspects the vehicle for roadworthiness, safety standards, age compliance, and emission rules.
Release & Collection
After all inspections and payments, customs issues a Release Order. Port charges are settled, and the vehicle is released for collection or transport.
📅 Estimated Timelines
Shipping from Japan: 6-8 weeks | UK: 4-8 weeks | Clearance: 7-21 working days
NTSA Registration & Logbook
Getting your Kenyan number plates and digital logbook
Set Up NTSA TIMS Account
Create an account on the NTSA Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) linked to your KRA PIN.
Submit Documents
Upload Import Declaration Form (IDF), Bill of Lading, Customs Entry Form (C63), KEBS Inspection Certificate, Foreign Logbook, and KRA Customs Release documents.
Document Verification
NTSA reviews and verifies all submitted documents. This process typically takes 7-14 working days.
Number Plate Assignment
Once verified, a Kenyan registration number is assigned to your vehicle.
Digital Logbook Issuance
A digital logbook is generated and uploaded to your TIMS account, completing the registration process.
Cost Components & Breakdown
Understanding all the costs involved in importing a vehicle to Kenya
KRA Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
35% of CIF ValueThe primary tax on imported vehicles, calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight value.
Excise Duty
20-35% of (CIF + Import Duty)Varies by engine capacity: Under 1500cc = 20%, 1500-2999cc = 25%, 3000cc+ (petrol) or 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
3.5% of CIF (min KES 5,000)Import Declaration Fee charged by KRA for processing the import declaration.
Railway Development Levy
2% of CIFLevy 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 (Compact)
USD 800 - 1,200Roll-on/Roll-off shipping for small cars like Vitz, Demio, Fit. Cost varies by cubic meter volume.
Japan RoRo (Sedan/SUV)
USD 1,000 - 1,500Standard RoRo rate for mid-size vehicles like Axio, Harrier, X-Trail. Most common import bracket.
Japan RoRo (Large SUV/Truck)
USD 1,400 - 1,800RoRo for larger vehicles like Prado, Hilux, Land Cruiser. Higher volume means higher freight cost.
UK RoRo (Sedan)
£740 - £1,200Roll-on/Roll-off from UK ports to Mombasa for standard saloon cars. Transit takes 26-30 days.
UK RoRo (SUV/4x4)
£1,040 - £1,400RoRo rate for SUVs and 4x4s from the UK. Personal items not permitted inside during RoRo.
UK Container (20ft)
£1,355 - £2,480Dedicated 20ft container for one vehicle. More secure, ideal for high-value cars or shipping with personal items.
UAE RoRo (Sedan)
USD 800 - 1,200Roll-on/Roll-off from Dubai/Sharjah to Mombasa for standard sedans. Shortest transit of all routes (14-21 days).
UAE RoRo (SUV/4x4)
USD 1,200 - 2,000RoRo from UAE for SUVs and 4x4s. Popular for re-exported Japanese and European vehicles.
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.