How to Import a Car from the UK to Kenya in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

---

🚘 Introduction: Why Import from the UK?

Importing a car from the United Kingdom to Kenya has become a popular route for many buyers, and for good reason. The UK offers:

• High-quality used cars with low mileage

• Right-hand drive vehicles, just like in Kenya

• Competitive prices, especially through private sellers and auction sites

• Access to European-spec models, which are often built with stronger features for safety and performance

But while the process offers great value, it can be complex and even costly if you make a wrong move. That’s why this guide breaks down every step — from finding your dream car in the UK to driving it on Kenyan roads.

Let’s dive in.

---

📋 Step 1: Check Eligibility Before You Buy

Not every UK car qualifies for importation to Kenya.

✅ Key rules:

• Vehicle age: Must not be more than 8 years old from the current year. In 2025, that means only cars from 2017 onward are allowed.

• Right-hand drive only: Left-hand drive cars are not allowed, unless for very specific exceptions (like diplomatic use).

• Roadworthiness: The car must pass a QISJ inspection in the UK before shipping.

• Emission standards: While not strictly enforced yet, newer models with Euro 4+ emissions are preferred.

---

🏪 Step 2: Find and Purchase Your Car

Now that you know what qualifies, it's time to find a vehicle in the UK.

🔎 Top UK platforms to find used cars:

• AutoTrader UK

• Gumtree

• Motors.co.uk

• Cazana

⚠️ What to look for:

• Full service history

• Low mileage

• DVLA V5C Logbook (proof of ownership)

• MOT certification (for older vehicles)

• No accident history

Once you’ve picked your car, negotiate the price and pay securely — only through trusted dealers or platforms.

---

🧾 Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need the following for inspection, shipping, and clearing:

📄 Must-have documents:

• Original V5C logbook

• Bill of sale or purchase receipt

• Export certificate (if deregistered from DVLA)

• QISJ Inspection Certificate

• Shipping documents (Bill of Lading, Packing List, etc.)

---

✅ Step 4: Pre-Export Inspection (QISJ)

Kenya requires every vehicle imported from the UK to pass a pre-shipment inspection by a KEBS-authorized agent.

🇬🇧 UK Inspector: QISJ UK

• Visit https://qisj.co.uk

• Schedule an inspection at the seller’s location

• Pay the inspection fee (usually £150–£200)

• QISJ will issue a certificate required for clearance at Mombasa

⚠️ Failure to inspect pre-shipment = KSh 200,000 fine or re-export.

---

🚢 Step 5: Arrange Shipping to Mombasa

Once the inspection is done, you’re ready to ship the car.

🚢 Types of shipping:

• RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off): Cheapest and most common

• Container shipping: More expensive, offers protection

🌍 Top UK ports:

• Port of Southampton

• Port of Tilbury

• Port of Liverpool

Transit time: 21–30 days

Once shipped, the agent or seller should give you:

• Bill of Lading

• Consignment Note

• Shipping Line Details

---

📦 Step 6: Pay KRA Import Duty

Once the car arrives, KRA taxes must be paid before clearance.

💰 Main taxes:

1. Import Duty – 25% of Customs Value

2. Excise Duty – 20% to 35%, based on engine size

3. VAT – 16%

4. Import Declaration Fee (IDF) – 2%

5. Railway Development Levy (RDL) – 1.5%

💡 Formula Used:

Based on the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) published by KRA and adjusted using:

• Depreciation

• Mileage

• Year of Manufacture

• Engine size

🔧 Use the Code & Clutch calculator to estimate your taxes before importing.

---

🚛 Step 7: Clearing the Car at Mombasa Port

Now you’ll need a licensed clearing agent to handle:

• KRA documentation

• KEBS compliance

• Port handling & storage

• Duty payment submission

• Number plate allocation

⏱️ Clear quickly to avoid storage penalties — over KSh 3,000 per day after grace period.

📲 Code & Clutch Tip:

We offer vetted, affordable clearing agents and can handle this entire step for you.

---

🔧 Step 8: NTSA Registration & Logbook

Once the car is cleared, the agent will:

• Register the car on NTSA’s TIMS portal

• Generate new Kenyan number plates

• Apply for your logbook

📬 You’ll receive your new logbook via courier in 7–10 working days.

---

🧠 Bonus: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Importing an over-age car (2016 and below in 2025)

2. Failing to do QISJ inspection before shipping

3. Using unverified UK sellers or agents

4. Underestimating total costs (duty, clearance, registration)

5. Paying in full without verifying documents or background

---

💡 Cost Estimate Example: 2018 Toyota Auris 1500cc

Item	Approx. Cost (KES)
UK Purchase Price	KSh 800,000
QISJ Inspection	KSh 30,000
Shipping (RoRo)	KSh 100,000
Import Duty + Taxes	KSh 520,000
Clearing & Registration	KSh 100,000
Total Cost (Est.)	KSh 1.55M

---

🔚 Conclusion: Let Code & Clutch Help You

Importing from the UK to Kenya in 2025 is very achievable if you follow the steps:

• ✅ Confirm the car’s eligibility

• ✅ Handle inspection before shipment

• ✅ Use a trusted clearing agent

• ✅ Calculate duty accurately

• ✅ Register it legally via NTSA

📞 Need help?
Let Code & Clutch handle the hard work for you — from inspection to clearance to payment support via Pesapal.

---

📲 Contact:

• WhatsApp: 0717423659

• Email: connectkenyacars@gmail.com

• Website: codeandclutch.blogspot.com

• Calculator Tool: [Coming Soon to Code & Clutch App]