🚗 What Happens After Your Car Arrives in Kenya: Port Clearance to Registration
🚗 What Happens After Your Car Arrives in Kenya: Port Clearance to Registration
So you’ve chosen the perfect car overseas, made the payment, and the ship is finally docking at Mombasa Port. Now what? The final leg of your car import journey is just as crucial as selecting the vehicle itself. In this guide, we break down exactly what happens after your car arrives in Kenya — from port clearance to the moment you receive your number plates and logbook.
🚢 1. The Arrival at Port: Mombasa
The journey begins when your car finally docks at the Port of Mombasa — the main entry point for most imported vehicles in Kenya. At this point:
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The shipping company offloads the vehicle.
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It’s assigned a unique Bill of Lading number (a document issued by the shipping line).
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The clearing agent receives the car's shipping and customs documentation.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1–3 days depending on port congestion.
📄 2. Documents You Must Have for Clearance
Before your car can be cleared from the port, several documents are required:
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Original Bill of Lading
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Commercial Invoice
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Import Declaration Form (IDF)
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Pre-Inspection Certificate (e.g., JEVIC, QISJ, or EAA)
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KRA PIN Certificate
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National ID/Passport copy
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Purchase receipt or proof of payment
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Authority letter (if using an agent)
✅ Tip: Always verify with your clearing agent that everything is in order to avoid delays.
🧾 3. Customs Valuation & Tax Assessment (KRA)
This is one of the most important stages. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) must determine the value of the vehicle for taxation purposes.
They calculate your Customs Value using the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) from their database and apply depreciation based on the vehicle’s age.
You’ll be required to pay the following import duties:
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Import Duty: 25%
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Excise Duty: 20% (varies with engine capacity)
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VAT: 16%
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Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2%
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Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5%
💡 Use Code & Clutch’s Car Import Calculator to estimate your total cost before import.
🏷️ 4. Paying Duties and Receiving Customs Release
After valuation:
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KRA generates a Customs Entry (Form C17B).
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Your agent lodges this in the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS).
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You then pay the calculated duties via bank, M-PESA, or Pesapal (recommended for ease).
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Once confirmed, KRA issues a Release Order.
🎉 Your car is now cleared from customs!
🧰 5. Physical Car Inspection & Verification (KEBS + KRA)
Your car must now undergo physical verification by:
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Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to ensure compliance with roadworthiness.
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KRA Officers who match the car with the documents.
They check:
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Chassis number
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Engine number
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Odometer reading
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General condition
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Right-hand drive (as required by law)
📸 Photos are taken and stored for reference.
🛻 6. Port Release & Pickup
If everything checks out:
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Port Release Order is issued by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
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Your agent arranges a truck or driver to pick up the vehicle.
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Car is driven out via the Port Exit Gate and recorded as released.
🎯 At this stage, you officially take control of your vehicle!
🆔 7. NTSA TIMS Account Setup (If You Haven’t Yet)
If you haven’t already, create an account on the NTSA TIMS (Transport Integrated Management System) portal:
You’ll need:
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National ID or Alien ID
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KRA PIN
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Phone number linked with your ID
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E-Citizen email
This portal allows you to:
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Register your vehicle
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Pay for your logbook
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Get your number plates
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Book inspections
🔐 It’s a must-have for every car owner in Kenya.
🆓 8. Roadworthiness Inspection by NTSA
Next, the car is inspected by NTSA to determine if it’s fit for Kenyan roads.
They check:
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Brakes and tires
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Seat belts
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Emissions
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Horn, lights, and wipers
If passed:
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You get a Certificate of Inspection (COI).
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If failed: you're given a list of issues to fix before a re-test.
🛠️ It’s advisable to take the car to a garage before the NTSA inspection.
🔢 9. Registration and Number Plate Issuance
Once your car passes inspection:
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Your agent applies for Registration via the NTSA TIMS.
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You’ll be issued a registration number (e.g., KDG 786Y).
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Pay a registration fee (~KSh 7,000).
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Choose between standard black/white plates or digital plates (optional).
🔢 Plates are printed and delivered in ~3–7 days.
📘 10. Logbook Processing
After registration:
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A Logbook (vehicle ownership document) is issued in your name.
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You’ll receive a temporary e-logbook immediately.
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The physical logbook is sent via courier or can be picked up.
📬 Your logbook is your legal proof of ownership — store it safely!
💡 Bonus: Other Post-Arrival Tips
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Insurance: You must insure your vehicle before driving it. Options include third-party or comprehensive.
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Tracking: Install a car tracker if needed (especially for high-end vehicles).
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Number Plate Holder & Stickers: Many people forget to budget for these small but required items.
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NTSA Smart DL (Digital License): Apply if you haven’t already — enforcement is increasing.
🧮 How Much Should You Budget Post-Arrival?
Here’s a rough estimate of what you’ll spend after your car arrives at the port:
| Item | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Port Charges & Agent Fee | 25,000–35,000 |
| Customs Duties & Taxes | Depends on car |
| NTSA Inspection Fee | 1,000–3,000 |
| Registration & Plates | 7,000–10,000 |
| Logbook Processing | Included in reg fee |
| Insurance (Min) | 7,000+ |
| Tracker (Optional) | 5,000–15,000 |
| TOTAL | Varies |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Importing a car doesn’t end at selecting a unit from Japan, UK, or UAE. The post-arrival process is full of official steps that require proper documents, timely payments, and the right clearing agent. By understanding what happens after your car lands in Kenya, you can avoid costly delays, bribes, or scams.
Tip: Work with trusted partners — like Code & Clutch — to guide you through every stage until your car hits the Kenyan road.
📣 Want Expert Help?
Let Code & Clutch assist you with:
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Clearing & forwarding
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Import cost calculations
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Auction sheet verification
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Vehicle registration & NTSA support
📲 WhatsApp Us: [+254 717 423 659]
🌐 Visit the blog: codeandclutch.blogspot.com
📧 Email: connectkenyacars@gmail.com
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