🚗 The Ultimate Guide to Importing a Car to Kenya (2025 Edition)
🚗 The Ultimate Guide to Importing a Car to Kenya (2025 Edition)
Learn how to safely, affordably, and legally import your dream car to Kenya with no stress — including 2025 KRA taxes, top origin countries, and smart insider tips.
🔰 Introduction: Why More Kenyans Are Importing Cars Than Ever
In 2025, the roads of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu are filled with stylish Toyota Prados, sleek Subaru Foresters, and fuel-efficient Honda Fits — most of them imported. From college graduates to corporate executives, Kenyans are skipping showrooms and heading straight to Japan, the UK, and the UAE for their next car. Why?
Because importing a car is no longer a mystery. It's now more affordable, more flexible, and — thanks to tech platforms like Code & Clutch — incredibly simplified.
But let’s be honest: the process can still feel overwhelming if you’re doing it alone. Between KRA taxes, agent fees, age limits, port delays, and shady dealers, it’s easy to get burned.
This guide breaks everything down for you — step by step — so you can import smart, avoid scams, and save serious cash.
🔍 Step 1: Should You Import or Buy Locally?
Before you import, ask yourself:
| Factor | Importing a Car | Buying Locally |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Price | Often cheaper by 20-30% | Usually marked up |
| ✅ Car Condition | Grade 4 or 5 cars | Uncertain condition |
| ✅ Mileage | Under 100,000 km | May be altered |
| ❌ Delivery Time | 6–8 weeks on average | Drive off same day |
| ❌ Hassle Level | Requires paperwork | Just transfer logbook |
Verdict: If you want more value for your money and are patient, importing is worth it. If you need a car today, a local purchase may suit you better.
🌍 Step 2: Choose the Country to Import From
🇯🇵 Japan – The #1 Origin for Kenyan Imports
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Advantages: Cheapest, highest quality used cars
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Top Models: Toyota Fielder, Axio, Vitz, Honda Fit
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Auction System: You can view car grading and history
🇬🇧 UK – Ideal for European Models
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Advantages: BMWs, Mercedes, Land Rovers in great condition
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Challenges: Slightly pricier; left-hand drive issue in some cases
🇦🇪 UAE – For Luxury Cars & SUVs
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Advantages: Low mileage, high-spec vehicles, diesel options
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Ideal For: Lexus, Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the Car Origin Selector on the Code & Clutch Car Import Calculator to compare real-time estimates.
📜 Step 3: Understand the 2025 KRA Tax Breakdown
Import duty, excise duty, VAT… it's enough to make your head spin. Let’s simplify.
👇 Here’s how the KRA calculates your taxes:
| Tax Component | Rate | Applies On |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% | On CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) |
| Excise Duty | 20% for small cars | On (CIF + Import Duty) |
| VAT | 16% | On (CIF + Import Duty + Excise) |
| IDF Fee | 2% of CIF | On CIF |
| RDL Levy | 1.5% of CIF | On CIF |
✳️ KRA also uses Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) as a benchmark. Your car may be taxed higher than your buying price.
🧾 Step 4: Required Documents for Importing
Here’s what you’ll need:
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✅ Original Commercial Invoice
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✅ Bill of Lading (shows shipping details)
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✅ Logbook from exporting country
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✅ Import Declaration Form (IDF)
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✅ Vehicle Inspection Certificate (JEVIC for Japan)
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✅ KRA PIN Certificate
All this can be handled by your Code & Clutch agent or your own clearing agent.
🚢 Step 5: Shipping Your Car to Kenya
Once you buy the car:
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It’s loaded onto a vessel in the country of origin
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Shipped to Mombasa Port (typically 4–6 weeks)
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Clearing agent picks it up, pays KRA taxes, and finalizes paperwork
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Car is delivered to your doorstep or preferred town
📦 Use RORO shipping (Roll On Roll Off) — it’s the cheapest and safest for cars.
🚦 Step 6: Age & Emission Restrictions (2025 Update)
As of 2025, Kenya still has the 8-year age limit rule:
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Only cars manufactured in 2017 or newer can be imported.
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Cars must also pass emission and safety standards.
If your dream car is from 2016 or older, you won’t be allowed to import it legally.
💡 Step 7: Avoiding Import Scams in Kenya
Unfortunately, the car import industry has its share of fraud. Here’s how to stay safe:
| ✅ Safe Practice | ❌ Red Flag |
|---|---|
| Work with a licensed agent | Seller has no website |
| Request car auction sheet | No photos or vague specs |
| Use Code & Clutch to verify CRSP | Seller rushes the deal |
| Pay in installments through Escrow or Pesapal | Full cash upfront with no receipt |
🚗 Top Imported Cars in Kenya (2025 Edition)
According to traffic data and import logs, these are the hottest used imports right now:
| Rank | Model | Country | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Toyota Fielder | Japan | Affordable, reliable |
| 2️⃣ | Subaru Forester | Japan/UAE | Power, all-wheel drive |
| 3️⃣ | Toyota Axio | Japan | Fuel-efficient |
| 4️⃣ | Honda Fit | Japan | Small, practical |
| 5️⃣ | Toyota Prado | UAE/UK | Prestige & power |
🛠️ How Code & Clutch Simplifies Car Imports
At Code & Clutch, we believe importing a car should be as smooth as starting the engine.
✅ Use our Car Import Calculator
Know exactly what you’ll pay before you commit. Instantly calculate KRA taxes and compare Japan, UAE, UK prices.
✅ Get a Quote, Pay Later
With our Pesapal integration, get a real quote — then choose when to pay safely via MPesa, card, or bank.
✅ WhatsApp Assistant 24/7
Ask questions, send documents, and get real-time updates from your personalized agent.
✅ See All Our Past Imports
We’re transparent. No ghost cars. Check our verified archive of customer vehicles.
👉 Try it now: Code and Clutch Car Calculator
📞 WhatsApp: +254717423659
📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing
❌ Not confirming CRSP (you get slapped with unexpected KRA tax)
❌ Importing an illegal model (banned, overage, non-compliant)
❌ Paying full cash to an unverified seller
❌ Skipping pre-shipment inspection
❌ Forgetting port storage fees after delays
Avoid all these with the help of our Code & Clutch smart quote system.
🤝 Final Thoughts: Turning Car Dreams Into Driveways
Importing a car isn’t just about saving money — it’s about getting exactly what you want, without settling. With the right tools, right partner, and right information, you can own your dream car at a dream price.
Whether it’s your first time or tenth, let Code & Clutch walk the journey with you — from auction to acceleration.
✅ Call to Action
👉 Use Our Car Import Calculator:
codeandclutch.blogspot.com/p/archives.html
📲 Join Our WhatsApp Assistant for Help or Quotes:
Click to Chat: +254717423659
💳 Ready to Pay After Your Quote?
Use our Pesapal link here:
https://store.pesapal.com/supportourproject
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