How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Kenya in 2025? — Code & Clutch
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Kenya in 2025? — Full Breakdown (Duties, Taxes & Real Fees)
Short answer: in 2025 you should expect taxes (import duty + excise + VAT + levies) to be the largest portion of your cost — often 40%–80%+ of the CIF value depending on vehicle type, plus shipping, port & clearing costs. Below you’ll find a reliable line-by-line cost model, clear examples, pro tips to save money legally, and a fast way to get Code & Clutch to handle everything for you.
Why 2025 is different: KRA CRSP & updated valuation
Important: effective 1 July 2025, Kenya Revenue Authority updated valuation and template guidance that changed how customs value is calculated for used motor vehicles. That update has increased taxable values and adjusted how import duty and excise are applied — meaning many popular models now attract higher duties than in previous years. For this reason it's critical to use the latest valuation template before purchase.
Quick glossary (so the rest makes sense)
- CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight (the base customs value).
- Import duty = a percentage charged on CIF (commonly 35% for many vehicles in 2025).
- Excise duty = additional tax often based on engine size/fuel type (ranges up to ~35% for some vehicles in 2025).
- VAT = value added tax — 16% applied after import duty & excise in Kenya.
- IDF, RDL, KPA wharfage = smaller levies (Import Declaration Fee, Railway Development Levy, port handling, etc.).
Typical 2025 tax & levy rates (baseline)
- Import duty: commonly 35% of CIF (varies by classification).
- Excise duty: up to 35% for certain vehicle classes (engine size/fuel determine bands).
- VAT: 16% (charged on top of the sum of CIF + import duty + excise).
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): typically ~3.5% of CIF.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): ~2% of CIF.
Real cost model — line by line (use this to calculate)
Below is a mobile-friendly table that you can use as a template. Replace the example CIF value with the CIF for your vehicle to get a close estimate.
| Item | Example @ CIF = KSh 1,000,000 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) | KSh 1,000,000 | Price paid abroad + shipping + marine insurance |
| Import Duty (35%) | KSh 350,000 | Applied to CIF (rate commonly 35% in 2025). |
| Excise Duty (example 20%) | KSh 200,000 | Varies by vehicle—can be up to ~35%. |
| Subtotal for VAT base | KSh 1,550,000 | CIF + import duty + excise |
| VAT (16%) | KSh 248,000 | 16% applied to subtotal. |
| IDF (3.5%) | KSh 35,000 | Import Declaration Fee — check current KRA template. |
| RDL (2%) | KSh 20,000 | Railway Development Levy. |
| Port & Clearing (agent fees, storage) | KSh 40,000 – 120,000+ | Depends on agent, delays & CFS charges — typical range shown. |
| Estimated total payable on arrival | KSh 1,898,000 – 1,978,000+ | ~90%–100% above CIF in this example (varies widely by car). |
Interpretation: On a CIF of KSh 1,000,000 the taxes + levies can add roughly KSh 900,000–KSh 1,000,000 extra depending on excise band and port/agent costs — which is why import planning is crucial.
Where the big differences come from (why two similar cars can attract very different totals)
- Excise banding: engine size, fuel type and age are key (hybrids/electric may attract different rates).
- KRA valuation / CRSP: updated valuation templates may assign a higher taxable value to some models (effective July 1, 2025).
- Shipping method: RoRo is usually cheaper but higher risk for damage; container shipping costs more but is safer and may be better for high-value cars.
- Clearing agent & delays: longer port dwell time = higher storage fees; agent expertise can reduce delays and mistakes.
Step-by-step import process (practical)
- Find & buy — use a trusted source and insist on a pro-forma invoice showing purchase price and seller details.
- Arrange shipping — choose RoRo or container; get an accurate freight & insurance quote.
- Lodge Import Declaration Form (IDF) — must be done before arrival; your clearing agent typically handles this.
- Arrival & port charges — pay wharfage, handling and any port storage fees; coordinate with your clearing agent.
- Clearance & inspection — KRA may inspect; pay duty, excise, VAT & levies then collect release documentation.
- Registration & number plates — register with NTSA, pay registration fees and obtain logbook and plates.
- Drive away — arrange local insurance and roadworthy checks as required.
Practical examples (common models & rough estimates)
Exact numbers depend on CIF and vehicle classification; below are illustrative examples to show scale (rounded):
- Small Japanese saloon (CIF KSh 800,000): taxes & fees ~ KSh 700,000 – 850,000 extra.
- Mid-sized SUV (CIF KSh 1,800,000): taxes & fees ~ KSh 1,000,000 – 1,400,000 extra.
- Brand-new electric vehicle (CIF KSh 5,000,000): excise rules and concessions may differ — get an agent to confirm.
How to save money legally (pro tips)
- Buy transparently: KRA’s updated valuation and templates mean under-declaring risks penalties and seizure. Always be honest and support invoices with proof.
- Choose the right shipping method: small cars often cheaper by RoRo; consider container when transporting parts or high-value features.
- Negotiate with the seller: a lower CIF helps because duties and many levies are CIF-based.
- Use an experienced clearing agent: a good agent reduces storage/demurrage costs and avoids costly mistakes.
- Compare multiple agents: don’t accept the first quote — check references and ask for itemized charges.
Common mistakes (avoid these)
- Ignoring the valuation/CRSP update and relying on old calculators — costs will be underestimated.
- Not pre-lodging the IDF — causes delays and extra penalties.
- Using low-reputation sellers or agents — higher risk of hidden costs or disputes at port.
Why use Code & Clutch to import & clear your car?
We handle the whole process: sourcing trusted sellers, arranging shipping, pre-lodging IDF, calculating exact KRA charges with the latest valuation templates, clearing at Mombasa/Nairobi, and delivering your car to Ngong Road or a location of your choice. Our team keeps communication open, provides itemized quotations, and avoids the common hidden-cost traps. Send us the vehicle VIN/Chassis, seller invoice and freight quote and we’ll run a CRSP-backed landed-cost calculation for you.
Get a FREE import estimate on WhatsApp — Code & Clutch (0717423659)FAQ — quick answers buyers ask most
Q: How long does it take to import and clear a car?
A: Shipping time depends on origin (Japan 3–6 weeks typical), and clearance depends on documentation quality — plan for 2–6 weeks from vessel arrival to release if documents are correct.
Q: Are used cars cheaper to import than buying locally?
A: Sometimes the landed cost (CIF + taxes) of imported used cars is competitive — but valuation updates and duty changes mean margins have narrowed; always run a full landed-cost calculation.
Q: Which fees are non-negotiable?
A: KRA taxes (import duty, excise, VAT, IDF, RDL) and port levies are mandatory. Agent & transport fees vary and can be negotiated.
Q: Do electric / hybrid cars get lower taxes?
A: Tax treatment can differ — in some cases hybrids/electric enjoy more favorable excise treatment, but check current KRA rules before buying.
Q: Can Code & Clutch estimate my exact import taxes?
A: Yes — send us the vehicle VIN/Chassis, seller invoice and freight quote via WhatsApp and we’ll reply with a detailed, itemized landed-cost quote using the latest valuation values and duty templates. WhatsApp us now
Final checklist before you buy (copy-paste friendly)
- Get a full pro-forma invoice (price, seller, VIN, year, engine cc).
- Ask for shipping & insurance quote (RoRo vs container).
- Request a pre-import estimate from a clearing agent or Code & Clutch.
- Confirm IDF lodgement and expected port charges.
- Ensure seller provides clear photos & inspection report to avoid surprises.
Want us to run the numbers for you? Send the vehicle VIN/Chassis, seller invoice and freight quote via WhatsApp and we’ll reply with a detailed, itemized landed-cost quote using the latest valuation templates.
Send details now — free landed-cost quote (Code & Clutch)
Comments
Post a Comment