🚗 How to Legally Import a Car into Kenya: Step-by-Step Process with KRA Regulations
🚗 How to Legally Import a Car into Kenya: Step-by-Step Process with KRA Regulations
Bringing your dream car into Kenya from abroad can be an exciting journey — but without a clear understanding of the legal process, it can quickly become stressful, expensive, or even illegal. From KRA guidelines to port clearance, every step must be followed carefully to avoid delays or penalties.
In this guide, we break down exactly how to import a car legally into Kenya, what documents you need, how the KRA import tax system works, and what to expect at the port of Mombasa.
🔍 Step 1: Identify the Right Car to Import
Before you even think of shipping, you must decide which car to import and whether it qualifies for import under Kenyan law. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) set clear conditions.
✅ Legal Requirements:
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Maximum vehicle age: 8 years from the year of first registration.
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Right-hand drive only: Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited unless for special use.
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Roadworthiness: All imported vehicles must pass inspection (e.g., JEVIC for Japan imports).
💡 Pro Tip:
Japanese, UK, and UAE markets offer thousands of used cars at competitive prices. Use platforms like BE FORWARD, SBT Japan, and AutoKenya to explore.
📅 Step 2: Verify the Vehicle’s Year and Compliance
Not all vehicles are allowed. KEBS and KRA enforce strict compliance on car age and configuration.
How to Confirm Eligibility:
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Check manufacture date (not registration date).
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Ensure the car was registered within the last 8 years.
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Confirm it's a right-hand drive (RHD).
If it fails any of these, your import will be rejected at the port.
💸 Step 3: Calculate Import Duty and Total Cost
One of the most important steps is figuring out how much the entire process will cost — including import taxes, shipping, and clearance.
Kenya Revenue Authority uses the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) as the baseline for tax.
🧮 Taxes You’ll Pay:
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Import Duty – 25% of the Customs Value
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Excise Duty – 20% (for vehicles below 1500cc) or 35% (above 1500cc)
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VAT – 16% of the total after applying the above
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IDF Fee – 2% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) value
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Railway Development Levy (RDL) – 1.5% of CIF
Use the official KRA Import Duty Calculator or our tool on Code & Clutch to estimate the total cost.
🌍 Step 4: Find a Trusted Exporter or Auction Platform
You’ll need a reliable car exporter or auction agent from countries like Japan, UK, UAE, or Singapore.
Checklist:
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✅ Check exporter reviews
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✅ Ask for a proforma invoice
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✅ Verify vehicle inspection status
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✅ Use secure payment options (e.g., TT bank transfers)
Once the purchase is made, the exporter ships the car to the Port of Mombasa, Kenya.
🚢 Step 5: Shipping the Vehicle to Kenya
Most cars are shipped using RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or Container shipping.
Documents You’ll Receive:
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Bill of Lading (B/L)
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Export Certificate
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Invoice
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Logbook copy or deregistration certificate
Ensure all documents are accurate and match your car details — mistakes can delay clearance.
✅ Step 6: Get the Car Inspected by JEVIC (or Equivalent)
All used vehicles from Japan, UAE, UK, Singapore, and South Africa must undergo pre-export inspection for:
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Roadworthiness
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Radiation levels
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Odometer verification
The Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) is one of the approved agencies.
Without a JEVIC certificate, your vehicle will not be cleared at Mombasa and will attract penalties or be rejected.
🖥️ Step 7: Pay Import Duties via KRA Simba System
Now it’s time to declare the car in the KRA SIMBA system and pay all duties.
Process:
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Hire a clearing agent registered with KRA.
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Agent logs into the SIMBA system.
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Files a Customs Entry (Form C17).
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Duties calculated and paid through KRA iTax or banks.
After payment, you’ll receive a Release Order.
⚓ Step 8: Clearing at the Port of Mombasa
Once duties are paid and documents are in order, your vehicle will be cleared at the Mombasa port.
Your clearing agent will:
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Submit all paperwork
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Pay port handling and storage charges
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Organize vehicle inspection and release
This process usually takes 3 to 7 working days if everything is in order.
🚘 Step 9: Vehicle Registration and Logbook
After clearance, the car must be registered with NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority).
What You’ll Need:
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KRA PIN
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ID or passport
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Bill of Lading
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Import documents
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Inspection certificate
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Customs Entry forms
Once registered:
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You’ll receive a Kenyan number plate
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NTSA will issue a logbook in your name
You’re now officially the legal owner of the imported car in Kenya.
⚠️ Bonus: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Importing a Car
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Buying an older car – KRA won’t allow cars older than 8 years.
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Skipping pre-inspection – You risk rejection or huge penalties.
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Falling for scams – Only deal with verified exporters.
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Not factoring total taxes – Budget can balloon quickly.
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Delaying clearance – Port storage charges are daily.
📌 Required Documents Checklist:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bill of Lading | Proof of shipment |
| Export Certificate | Proves car origin & details |
| JEVIC Certificate | Required for KEBS compliance |
| Import Declaration Form (IDF) | Mandatory for all imports |
| KRA PIN | For duty payment |
| Insurance | Needed for road use |
| NTSA Documents | For registration |
🎯 Final Thoughts: Import Smart, Import Legal
Importing a car into Kenya isn’t complicated — if you know the steps, follow KRA guidelines, and use a trusted clearing agent. Whether it’s a sporty hatchback from Japan or a luxury SUV from Dubai, what matters most is compliance with KRA rules and accurate cost planning.
At Code & Clutch, we’ve built tools and calculators to simplify the entire process for you. Explore our site to calculate import duty, get clearance tips, and connect with experts in car imports to Kenya.
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