📘 Chapter 1: Introduction to Car Imports in Kenya
📘 Chapter 1: Introduction to Car Imports in Kenya
🚗 1.1 Why More Kenyans Are Choosing to Import Cars
Over the last 10 years, more Kenyans have embraced the car import process. Instead of relying solely on local dealerships, many buyers now search for high-quality, low-mileage cars from Japan, the UK, UAE, or even South Africa.
Here’s why importing is winning hearts:
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More Car for Your Money
Cars bought directly from exporters or auctions are often cheaper than local equivalents. Even after paying duties, clearing charges, and shipping, most people still save money. -
Access to Better Features
Imported cars often come with updated technology: hybrid engines, reverse cameras, lane assist, infotainment systems, automatic parking, and more. -
Cleaner, Verified Units
Most cars come with auction sheets, grading reports, and pre-shipment inspections — so you can avoid accident-damaged or tampered vehicles. -
Flexibility in Choice
You can pick your preferred color, interior finish, mileage range, and model — instead of settling for what’s available in the local market.
⚠️ 1.2 Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Many Kenyans still hesitate to import due to a few widespread fears. Let’s bust some myths:
❌ “I’ll be scammed if I try importing.”
Scams do happen — especially with shady exporters, fake websites, or fake agents. But this guide will show you how to avoid them by:
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Verifying exporter licenses
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Checking auction listing IDs
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Using escrow or trusted payment methods
❌ “Importing is only for dealers or the rich.”
Not true. Even middle-class families import budget cars like the Toyota Vitz or Nissan Note for personal use. You don’t need to be wealthy — just informed.
❌ “It’s too complex for me.”
There are multiple steps, yes. But each one is manageable. Once you understand the process, it becomes repeatable and surprisingly smooth.
❌ “It takes too long.”
On average, importing a car takes 4–6 weeks. That’s about the same time it takes to buy from a local dealer — but with more savings and better selection.
🎯 1.3 Who This Guide Is For
This eBook is ideal for:
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First-time buyers: People looking to get their first car — small hatchbacks, sedans, or crossovers — with confidence and cost transparency.
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Kenyans living abroad: Planning to send a car back home for family or personal use? This guide makes the process easier, even from overseas.
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Business owners or Uber/Bolt drivers: Want to import commercial cars in bulk or for ride-sharing? This book breaks it all down.
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Resellers or small-scale importers: Starting your own import hustle? You’ll learn how to build trust and avoid loss.
📘 1.4 What You’ll Learn in This Book
By reading this guide, you’ll walk away with:
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A complete step-by-step breakdown of the import journey
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Clarity on how KRA calculates taxes, plus real-world examples
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Knowledge of what inspection reports and auction grades mean
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The ability to spot scams and verify trustworthy exporters
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A working understanding of shipping, clearing, and registration
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Expert tips to avoid hidden costs, delays, or paperwork issues
Whether you're importing a KES 700,000 Toyota or a KES 5M Land Cruiser, this guide gives you the confidence to do it right — legally, safely, and affordably.
💡 1.5 Why You Can Trust This Guide
At Code & Clutch, we’ve helped thousands of Kenyans understand the car import process. We’ve written blog posts, built online calculators, integrated KRA formulas, and created tools that take the confusion out of customs and cars.
With this eBook, we’re going deeper — offering clarity, charts, visuals, and real-world examples to help you take full control of your car-buying journey.
📊 Sample KRA Import Tax Breakdown Table
For a Used Toyota Axio 2016, CIF Value = $5,000 (~KES 650,000)
| Tax Type | Rate | Calculation | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs Value (CIF) | N/A | Given value | 650,000 |
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF | 25% of 650,000 | 162,500 |
| Excise Duty | 20% of (CIF + Import Duty) | 20% of (650,000 + 162,500) = 20% of 812,500 | 162,500 |
| VAT (Value Added Tax) | 16% of (CIF + Import + Excise) | 16% of (650,000 + 162,500 + 162,500) = 16% of 975,000 | 156,000 |
| IDF Fee (Import Declaration) | 2% of CIF | 2% of 650,000 | 13,000 |
| RDL (Railway Dev. Levy) | 1.5% of CIF | 1.5% of 650,000 | 9,750 |
| 🔢 Total Estimated Tax | — | Sum of all the above | ₭ 503,750 |
💡 Note: Actual rates may vary slightly depending on exchange rate and car type (engine CC affects Excise).
📝 Japanese Auction Sheet Grades Explained
| Grade | Meaning | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Brand new car, never driven | 💯 Perfect |
| 5 | As good as new, very low mileage | 🚗 Excellent |
| 4.5 | Near perfect, may have minor scratches | ✅ Very Good |
| 4 | Good condition with some scratches or dents | 👍 Good |
| 3.5 | Noticeable wear, minor repairs may be needed | ⚠️ Fair |
| 3 | Moderate damage or repairs done, high mileage | ❌ Poor |
| RA/R | Accident repaired — quality varies depending on repair level | ⚠️ Repaired accident car |
| AA/A1 | Excellent interior, very clean cabin | ✨ Interior Grade Only |
| B/C | Average to worn interior (e.g., stained seats, cracked trim) | 🧼 Acceptable to Poor Interior |
📌 Always request both the auction grade and interior grade. Avoid RA/R unless inspected professionally.
🚘 Popular Cars Imported to Kenya: Price & Tax Comparison (2025)
| Car Model | Year | Engine Size (CC) | CIF (USD) | Estimated Taxes (KES) | Total Landed Cost (KES) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vitz | 2017 | 1300 | $3,800 | ~400,000 | ~880,000 | Budget hatchback, fuel-efficient |
| Toyota Axio | 2016 | 1500 | $5,000 | ~503,750 | ~1,150,000 | Popular sedan, resale-friendly |
| Mazda Demio | 2017 | 1300 | $4,200 | ~440,000 | ~950,000 | Stylish and economical |
| Nissan Note | 2017 | 1200 Hybrid | $4,500 | ~460,000 | ~1,020,000 | Hybrid savings on fuel |
| Subaru Impreza | 2016 | 1500 | $6,200 | ~610,000 | ~1,370,000 | AWD appeal, sporty |
| Toyota Noah/Voxy | 2016 | 2000 | $7,000 | ~750,000 | ~1,550,000 | Family 7-seater van |
| Honda Fit Hybrid | 2017 | 1300 Hybrid | $4,600 | ~460,000 | ~1,030,000 | Reliable hybrid hatchback |
| Toyota Land Cruiser TX | 2016 | 2700 | $14,000 | ~1,400,000+ | ~3,200,000+ | High-end, luxury SUV |
💡 CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is based on current auction averages. Taxes are estimates. Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~130 KES. Always confirm with a tax calculator before making payments.
📌 Notes:
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Vehicles with engine capacity above 1500cc attract higher Excise Duty (30–35%).
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Hybrid vehicles often benefit from reduced Excise rates.
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Cars over 8 years old are not allowed for import into Kenya.
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These estimates exclude clearing agent fees, registration, and inspection fees (typically add ~KES 40,000–80,000).
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