🛑 The Hidden Costs of Importing Cars to Kenya: What Most Buyers Forget to Budget For

 

🛑 The Hidden Costs of Importing Cars to Kenya: What Most Buyers Forget to Budget For

By Code & Clutch – Where Cars Meet Code

Importing a car can be a smart investment, but many buyers overlook extra charges that can significantly eat into their perceived savings. Here's a full breakdown of hidden and additional costs you must account for in 2025 Kenya.

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⚓ 1. Demurrage & Storage Fees at Mombasa Port

• You get 21 free days to clear the car after arrival.

• Storage charges (demurrage) begin thereafter—up to KSh 10,000 per day. A 10-day delay could cost KSh 100,000.
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2. Pre-Clearance Service & Port Agent Fees

• Using a professional for customs filing, inspections, and coordination costs KSh 20,000–40,000 on average.

• Though optional, most importers rely on agents to avoid bureaucratic delays.
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3. Pre-Shipment Inspection (JEVIC / QISJ)

• Required by law before shipping to Kenya. Costs range from $150 to $250 (KSh 20K–30K).

• Failing to provide certification at port incurs penalties and delays.
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4. CIF & Currency Fluctuations

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is quoted in USD. Changes in exchange rates can significantly alter final KSh amount.

• For example, a $15,000 CIF car gains or loses KSh 15,000 for each KSh/USD change.
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5. Port Call, GTA/GMA & Wharfage Fees

• Additional admin fees such as GTAs, GMAs, and port call charges: KSh 10,000–20,000 per shipment.
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6. Container or Special Shipping Surcharges

• Standard RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is cheapest. If you request a container or extra protection, expect $200–500 extra (KSh 26K–65K).
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7. CRSP-Based Tax Uplift

• KRA uses the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP), often significantly higher than your CIF, increasing taxes accordingly.

• Import duty, excise, and VAT are all charged on this inflated value—not your purchase price.
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8. Marine Insurance

• Mandatory, typically 0.4% of CIF value, to cover loss or damage during transit.

• Often omitted from quotes, causing surprises later.
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9. NTSA Inspection & Minor Repairs

• NTSA inspection costs ~KSh 3,500.

• Additional repairs (lights, tires, wipers) could add KSh 20,000–50,000 before registration.
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10. Insurance Validation & Release Delays

• Temporary cover notes may be needed to release the car; delays in issuance can delay clearance by days.

• Best to arrange insurance early.
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11. Tracking Device Installation

• Increasingly required for registration and insurance. Costs KSh 8,000–15,000 plus monthly fees.
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12. Registration Fees, Plates & Timbre

• NTSA TIMS registration and logbook: ~KSh 3,500

• Number plates & timbre: KSh 3,000–7,000 + KSh 500–1,000 stamp duty (CHB)
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13. Port Handling & Additional Charges

• Wharfage, weighing, yard handling and valuation certificates can add KSh 12,000–27,000.

• Port handling charges alone can be KSh 40,000–70,000 depending on engine size.
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14. Miscellaneous & Unexpected Fees

• Fees like radiation inspection, Interpol clearance, documentation printing, courier charges, or landfill levies (e.g. KSh 320/kg) may appear during processing.
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🧾 Summary Table of Hidden Costs

Item	Estimated Cost Range
Port demurrage (10-day delay)	KSh 100,000
Pre-clearance agent	KSh 20,000–40,000
Pre-shipment inspection (JEVIC/QISJ)	KSh 20,000–30,000
Container / RoRo surcharge	KSh 26,000–65,000
Port call & GTA/GMA fees	KSh 10,000–20,000
Marine insurance (0.4%)	~KSh 5,000 on CIF KSh1.25M
NTSA pass + repairs	KSh 23,500–43,500
Tracking device & installation	KSh 8,000–15,000
Registration, logbook & plates	KSh 3,500–7,000 + Stamp duty
Port handling & valuation	KSh 12,000–27,000
Currency fluctuation (per US$1,000 CIF change)	~KSh 15,000

These can add up to KSh 250,000–400,000 or more—and often come after you’ve already paid your CIF.

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🛠️ How to Avoid or Minimize Extra Costs

1. Clear within 14 days to avoid storage fees.

2. Use your own clearing agent and negotiate fixed rates upfront.

3. Confirm JEVIC/QISJ is pre-arranged before bidding.

4. Lock in CIF USD rate early to limit exchange exposure.

5. Avoid unnecessary container upgrades unless vehicle needs special protection.

6. Run full landed cost estimates using Code & Clutch’s CRSP-based calculator.

7. Pre-arrange insurance validation to avoid holdups at port.

8. Ensure tracking device requirement is clear and included in quotes.

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🎯 Final Word

Importing a car can be beneficial—but only if you plan thoroughly. While headline import costs may be lower, all these ancillary charges can catch buyers off guard and reduce net savings.

✅ Tip: Always calculate total landed cost, including all fees, before committing. Partner with trusted preview agents or Code & Clutch to make importing smoother.

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📞 Need Help?

We're here for you — from estimating landed cost to navigating customs clearance:

• WhatsApp: 0717 423 659

• Email: connectkenyacars@gmail.com

• Blog: codeandclutch.blogspot.com