🚗 How to Import a Car to Kenya (2025): Step-by-Step Process Explained

Your Ultimate Guide from Picking the Car to Clearing it in Mombasa

---

📦 Introduction: Why More Kenyans are Importing Cars

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a car that matches your style and budget perfectly, importing might be your best route.

Thanks to platforms like SBT Japan, Beforward.jp, and Car From Japan, it’s now easier than ever for Kenyans to buy cars directly from abroad—mainly from Japan, the UK, South Africa, or the UAE. And guess what? You can save hundreds of thousands compared to local dealerships.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of importing a car into Kenya, including how to calculate taxes using the KRA formula, choose a trusted agent, and avoid scams.

---

🪪 Step 1: Know What You Can Import (KRA Guidelines)

Before even thinking of what car to buy, you need to understand the legal requirements:

• ✅ Must be 8 years old or less from the year of registration

• ✅ Must be Right-Hand Drive (RHD)

• ✅ Must pass KEBS inspection before shipment

• 🚫 No salvaged, flood-damaged, or Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles allowed

Example: In 2025, the oldest car you can import must be registered in 2017 or later.

---

🔍 Step 2: Choose the Car & Supplier

You can either:

• Use trusted Japanese platforms (e.g., SBT Japan, Beforward, PicknBuy24)

• Work with a local import agent

• Or use Code & Clutch’s upcoming Import Assistant Tool 🔧

Key details to check:

• Auction grade (preferably 4 or higher)

• Mileage (under 100,000km for better resale)

• Transmission (Auto/Manual)

• Engine type (Petrol, Diesel, or Hybrid)

• FOB Price (Free On Board)

---

📄 Step 3: Request a Proforma Invoice

Once you choose a car, request a Proforma Invoice from the seller or auction. It includes:

• Car details

• FOB cost

• Freight & Insurance

• Total CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

Tip: This is the price used to compute your KRA taxes.

---

📠 Step 4: Calculate Your Import Duty

Use Code & Clutch’s custom calculator or the official KRA formula, which includes:

Tax Type	Percentage
Import Duty	25% of Customs Value
Excise Duty	20–35% (depends on cc)
VAT	16% of the above
IDF + RDL Fees	KSh 18,000+ flat

👉 Total Tax can range between 45% and 70% of the CIF price

---

🚢 Step 5: Payment and Shipping

Once you’re happy with everything:

• Pay at least 50% deposit to the exporter

• Your vehicle is shipped via RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) or Container

• Shipment takes 30–45 days to Mombasa

You’ll receive:

• Bill of Lading

• Export Certificate

• Inspection Certificate (KEBS/JEIVIC)

• Invoice copy

---

🛂 Step 6: Clearance in Mombasa

When the vehicle lands:

1. Customs declaration via KRA iTax and Simba system

2. Duty payment via bank or online transfer

3. Car is inspected (chassis, emission, and documents)

4. NTSA allocates registration & plates

Documents you’ll need:

• KRA PIN certificate

• ID copy

• Purchase invoice

• Inspection certificate

• IDF number

This can take 5–10 working days, and your import agent should handle it.

---

🚘 Step 7: Register and Insure the Vehicle

Once cleared:

• Get a logbook from NTSA

• Choose your number plate

• Get insurance from CIC, Jubilee, APA, or others

Tip: Consider comprehensive insurance if the vehicle is under 5 years old.

---

🧠 Bonus Tips for First-Time Car Importers

1. Use a Licensed Clearing Agent
   Always verify their ID and business registration on KRA.

2. Beware of Unrealistically Cheap Listings
   If a car sounds too good to be true—it probably is. Always cross-check chassis numbers and seller websites.

3. Auction Sheets Don’t Lie
   Japanese auction reports are super detailed. Learn how to read them to know if a car had accident history or panel repairs.

4. Stick to Japanese or UK models
   Parts for Japanese cars like Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are more available and affordable in Kenya.

---

📲 FAQs

Q1: Can I import a car without an agent?

Yes, but it’s risky unless you understand customs systems. Agents handle paperwork, clearance, and registration more efficiently.

Q2: How long does it take to import a car?

About 6 to 10 weeks, depending on shipping speed, clearance delays, and NTSA processing.

Q3: Can I import an electric or hybrid car?

Yes! Hybrid cars are allowed and may attract lower excise duty (10% instead of 20%–35%). Hybrids like Prius or Aqua are common imports.

Q4: How do I know if I’m being scammed?

• Never pay full amount upfront unless through escrow or verified bank

• Confirm the exporter’s license and reviews

• Don’t use WhatsApp-only car dealers

---

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Importing Worth It?

If you’re looking for:

• A car in better condition

• A specific make, model, or color

• Huge savings vs. Kenyan showrooms

Then YES, importing is totally worth it.

But always:
✅ Use calculators
✅ Confirm seller identity
✅ Work with a trusted team like Code & Clutch

---

🔗 Tools & Resources

• 💰 [KRA Import Tax Calculator – Code & Clutch]

• 🧾 [Request a Quote with WhatsApp Integration]

• 🛠️ [Get Help Finding a Trusted Clearing Agent]