⚠️ Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Importing a Car to Kenya (2025 Edition)
Importing a car shouldn’t be a gamble. In 2025, many Kenyans still fall into avoidable traps—costing time, money, and peace of mind. Avoid these top 5 mistakes to import smarter with Code & Clutch.
1. 🎯 Falling in Love with a Car Before Researching It
Many importers pick a car based on its looks or model without detailed checks.
“Falling in love with a model… can blind you to alternative vehicles that may be better for your needs” YouTube+11YouTube+11Facebook+11Kenya Car Bazaar
Why it hurts:
You might miss better deals or end up with a car that doesn’t suit Kenyan roads or maintenance budgets.
Fix:
Use our Car Import Calculator first. Compare specs, CRSP value, and KRA taxes across models.
2. ❌ Choosing a Left-Hand Drive or Overaged Vehicle
Kenya enforces strict rules:
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🚗 Import only right-hand drive vehicles.
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✋ Cars must be under 8 years old Seaways Kenya Limited+3Citizen Digital+3Swala Nyeti+3Vox+2next-drive.co.jp+2aajapancars.com+2.
Consequence:
Non-compliant vehicles are denied clearance or even confiscated.
Fix:
Double-check auction sheets for RHD and manufacture year compliance.
3. 📄 Skipp
ing Pre-Shipment Inspection or Expired KEBS Certificate
Skipping quality checks is risky. KEBS inspection is mandatory.
Countries including Kenya need inspection: “road worthiness… must first pass a road worthiness inspection” UKRoadRunner+1next-drive.co.jp+1
Consequence:
No KEBS = no clearance = stuck at port + demurrage charges.
Fix:
Always confirm your exporter has a valid KEBS (JEVIC/QISJ) certificate.
4. 💸 Underestimating KRA Tax via CRSP
Many importers budget based on invoice price, not CRSP. But KRA taxes using CRSP.
This surprise cost is common: “KRA set to overhaul second-hand car import taxes… under the existing CRSP system” aajapancars.com+6UKRoadRunner+6Seaways Kenya Limited+6UKRoadRunner+4Swala Nyeti+4Citizen Digital+4
Consequence:
You may owe much more than expected—even double.
Fix:
Use Code & Clutch’s tool for real-time CRSP estimates.
5. 🤝 Hiring an Unlicensed or Dishonest Clearing Agent
Unverified agents can overcharge, delay clearance, or scam importers.
According to Bizna Kenya, you should only work with licensed customs agents biznakenya.com.
Consequence:
Delays, false charges, loss of money, even legal issues.
Fix:
Use our vetted clearing agent partners. Ask for agent registration details before hiring.
📌 Quick Summary
| Mistake | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Impulse buying | Wrong model, poor fit | Use tax and model comparison tools |
| Non-compliant vehicle | Confiscation, delays | Check for RHD + under 8 years |
| Skipping KEBS | Clearance denied | Confirm valid KEBS certificate |
| Ignoring CRSP | Huge surprise taxes | Always run a CRSP check |
| Bad agent | Overcharges & delays | Partner with licensed professionals |
✅ How Code & Clutch Protects You
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Car Import Calculator: Simulates total cost including CRSP taxes.
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Pre-shipment compliance checks: Ensure RHD, KEBS, age, CRSP alignment.
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Agent Support: Connect you with licensed, reliable clearing agents.
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WhatsApp Assistant: 24/7 Q&A during every stage.
📲 Chat now: Click here
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