🚗 Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Car to Kenya in 2025: From Auction to Road

Importing a car into Kenya can seem overwhelming at first—but with the right knowledge, it's a smooth, exciting, and rewarding process. Whether you're importing your dream car from Japan, the UK, or the UAE, this guide walks you through every single step, from selecting a vehicle to driving it on Kenyan roads.

Let’s break down the journey, stage by stage, so you don’t miss a thing.

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🔍 1. Decide the Car You Want

Before anything else, ask yourself:

• What's your budget?

• Do you want a saloon, SUV, pickup, or hatchback?

• Which country of origin suits your needs? (Japan for reliability, UK for prestige, UAE for luxury)

• How old should the car be? (Kenya allows imports up to 8 years old)

💡 Tip: Go for cars that are 6–7 years old to save on depreciation and still stay within import limits.

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🌐 2. Choose a Trusted Dealer or Auction Platform

Select a reliable platform or exporter:

Verified Japan Auction Sites:

• BE FORWARD

• Autocom Japan

• SBT Japan

• IBC Japan

UK & UAE Dealers:

• Al Futtaim (UAE)

• CarFromUK

• Code & Clutch partners (Coming soon)

🧠 Warning: Avoid dealers without physical addresses or proper documentation.

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📄 3. Request Key Documents Before Buying

Never pay without these:

• Proforma invoice

• Auction sheet

• Export certificate

• Vehicle inspection report (JEVIC or QISJ)

These documents are necessary for valuation, shipping, and clearing.

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💳 4. Make the Payment

Most exporters require:

• 50–70% down payment to confirm purchase

• Remaining balance before shipment

✅ Payment Methods:

• SWIFT bank transfer

• Card (for some platforms)

• Local banks with international dealer relationships

📌 Always confirm recipient banking details directly on the official website—scams are common.

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🚢 5. Car Is Shipped to Kenya (Mombasa Port)

Once paid, your vehicle is:

• Booked on a cargo ship (RO-RO or container)

• Assigned a Bill of Lading (BL) as proof of shipment

• Tracked via platforms like MarineTraffic.com

🕐 Shipping duration varies:

• Japan → Mombasa: ~4–6 weeks

• UK/UAE → Mombasa: ~3–5 weeks

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🛃 6. Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent

Find a trusted KRA-licensed agent to handle:

• Customs clearance

• Duty calculation

• NTSA logbook registration

• Number plate issuance

🚫 Avoid clearing agents without offices or licenses—your car could be held, delayed, or seized.

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🧾 7. Pay Import Duties & Taxes

Here’s what you’ll pay to KRA:

1. Import Duty: 25% of the Customs Value

2. Excise Duty: 20% (based on engine capacity/year)

3. VAT: 16%

4. Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2%

5. Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5%

🧠 These are based on the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) and exchange rates at import date.

✅ Use KRA iTax or Code & Clutch’s Import Calculator to estimate.

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📋 8. Inspection & Registration with NTSA

Once cleared:

• NTSA inspects the vehicle

• Assigns registration number

• Issues logbook & registration certificate

This process usually takes 3–7 working days after duty payment.

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🚘 9. Number Plates and Insurance

Your car is almost ready!

• Number plates are issued

• Buy a comprehensive or third-party insurance policy

• Install the E-sticker on the windscreen

🎉 Now your car is legally road-ready in Kenya.

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📸 Suggested Images for This Article

1. Infographic: 9 steps from auction to road

2. Image of shipping vessel at Mombasa Port

3. Sample Bill of Lading and Auction Sheet

4. Chart showing KRA duty breakdown

5. NTSA registration office or logbook sample

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🛡️ Bonus Tips for First-Time Importers

• Track your car’s shipment via marine traffic tools

• Use an escrow service for safer transactions

• Verify the chassis number using auction verification platforms

• Read reviews of your clearing agent and dealer

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🧠 Final Thoughts: Be Informed, Not Intimidated

Car importation doesn’t have to be confusing or risky. When you break it down into steps and use the right partners, it becomes a transparent, affordable, and exciting process.

Whether you’re importing for business or for your family, Code & Clutch is here to guide you from selection to ignition.