🚗 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
Importing a car into Kenya might seem straightforward—get a good deal from Japan or Dubai, pay for shipping, clear at the port, and drive off. Right?
Wrong.
Many first-time importers—and even seasoned buyers—are often caught off guard by hidden charges and surprise expenses that push their final cost way above budget.
In this article, we'll break down every cost you probably didn’t plan for—and how to avoid being blindsided when your dream car lands at the Port of Mombasa.
📦 The Illusion of a Low “FOB” Price
You’ll often see cars advertised online with an FOB (Free On Board) price like:
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🚙 Toyota Axio: FOB ¥850,000
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🚘 Mazda Demio: FOB ¥620,000
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🚗 Nissan Note: FOB ¥570,000
While these prices may seem attractive, they exclude most of the real costs of importation. Let’s reveal what’s really waiting beyond the FOB.
💸 Hidden Costs That Add Up Quickly
1. 🌊 Shipping & Marine Insurance (CIF)
Once the car is loaded onto the ship, you’ll be charged freight and marine insurance (together known as CIF).
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Freight: $1,000–$1,400 depending on origin (Japan, UAE)
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Marine Insurance: 0.6% of vehicle value
🧮 For a ¥900,000 car, marine insurance could be around KES 5,000–10,000.
2. 🛃 KRA Import Duty, VAT & Levies
This is often the largest cost after purchase. KRA applies several taxes based on a Customs Value, not your purchase price.
Taxes include:
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Import Duty: 25%
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Excise Duty: 20% or more (depending on engine size)
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VAT: 16%
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IDF (Import Declaration Fee): 2%
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Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5%
🧾 Duty for a 2017 Toyota Fielder can exceed KES 450,000–600,000.
Shocker: KRA doesn’t use your receipt—they use their own valuation databases (Current Retail Selling Price - CRSP).
3. 🚢 Port Handling Charges
After your car lands in Mombasa, you must pay:
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Port handling fees
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Customs warehouse fees
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Clearing agent fees
These range from KES 15,000–30,000, depending on how fast you clear.
4. 🧾 Clearing Agent Commission
Clearing agents help you process documentation and navigate KRA systems. Their fees usually include:
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Port processing
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KRA Simba system access
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NTSA portal updates
Typical agent commission: KES 15,000–30,000
Avoid the temptation of going it alone—you’ll lose more than you’ll save.
5. 🧱 Storage & Demurrage
If your vehicle isn’t cleared within the free days (usually 4–5 days), Mombasa port will start charging:
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KES 2,000–4,000 per day
Delays from missing documents, agent issues, or public holidays can easily lead to KES 10,000–30,000 in storage fees.
6. 🧯 NTSA & Inspection Fees
To register and get your number plate, you must pay:
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JEVIC/QISJ/EAA inspection fee (approx. KES 15,000–20,000)
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NTSA registration & number plate: KES 6,000–8,000
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RTS (Road Transport Service) fees
You also need to upload the logbook details and get your new Tims NTSA account updated.
7. 🔧 Mechanical Fixes After Arrival
Even clean auction cars may arrive with:
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Flat battery from long shipping
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Worn-out tires
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Cracked windshields
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Minor body scratches
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Oil/filter changes needed
Budget at least KES 15,000–30,000 for a basic check-up and service.
8. 🛡️ Insurance & Logbook Processing
Before you hit the road, you must:
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Insure the car (comprehensive preferred) — KES 25,000–60,000
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Logbook transfer and ownership — KES 3,000–4,000
Tip: Some insurers now bundle registration and inspection support—ask around!
9. 🚚 Delivery to Nairobi or Upcountry
If you’re not in Mombasa, you’ll need to factor in:
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Fuel cost or carrier fee: KES 15,000–50,000 depending on your location
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Driver fee & NTSA movement permit: ~KES 3,000
💥 Real Example: What It Really Costs to Import
Case Study: 2017 Mazda Demio from Japan
| Item | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| FOB (¥680,000 @ 1.10) | 748,000 |
| CIF (Freight & Insurance) | 170,000 |
| KRA Duty & Taxes | 490,000 |
| Port Fees & Clearing Agent | 30,000 |
| Storage/Delays (5 days late) | 12,000 |
| Inspection & NTSA | 20,000 |
| Basic Repairs & Service | 18,000 |
| Insurance | 28,000 |
| Transport to Nairobi | 25,000 |
| Total Cost to Roadworthy | 1,541,000 |
🧠 Code & Clutch Tips to Avoid Budget Surprises
✔️ Ask for an All-Inclusive Quote
Don’t rely on FOB alone—request the full CIF + Duty + Clearance + Delivery estimate.
✔️ Confirm Duty With the KRA Calculator
Use our Car Import Tax Calculator to get a close estimate based on CRSP.
✔️ Prepare a Contingency Budget
Add KES 80,000–100,000 buffer for unexpected charges, especially if you're a first-time importer.
✔️ Choose a Reliable Agent
Work with a verified, experienced agent who provides itemized cost breakdowns. Ask for references.
📸 Suggested Images for This Article
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Infographic of “True Cost of Importing a Car”
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Flowchart from Auction to Kenyan Road
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Photo of a clearing agent at Mombasa Port
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Invoice with hidden fees highlighted
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Dashboard image with warning lights on arrival
🏁 Final Word: Budgeting is the Key to a Smooth Import
The real cost of importing a car to Kenya is never just the auction price. From taxes to delays, every step introduces possible expenses.
At Code & Clutch, our mission is to empower you with transparency, tools, and trusted contacts—so you can drive with confidence and not regret.
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