Complete Guide to Importing a Car into Kenya: 2026 KRA Requirements & Tax Breakdown

Importing a vehicle into Kenya doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information about Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) import regulations, you can navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly mistakes at Mombasa port.

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This comprehensive guide covers everything from age restrictions to tax calculations, helping you bring your dream vehicle home without surprises.

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Kenya’s Vehicle Import Age Limit and Standards

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) enforces strict quality controls through KS 1515:2000 Code of Practice to ensure only roadworthy vehicles enter the country.

Critical Age Restriction You Must Know

Your imported vehicle cannot exceed eight years from its original registration date—not the manufacturing year. This distinction matters significantly when calculating eligibility.

Example: A vehicle first registered in March 2018 must clear Kenyan customs before March 2026, regardless of when it rolled off the production line.

Steering Configuration Requirements

Kenya mandates right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles only for standard imports. This protects road users since Kenya follows right-side traffic patterns where left-hand drive creates dangerous blind spots.

Exemptions apply exclusively to:

• Emergency ambulances
• Fire department vehicles
• Heavy construction equipment (when donated to government projects after completion)
• Specialized industrial machinery

Mandatory Pre-Clearance Inspection Standards

Every used vehicle undergoes rigorous examination before KRA grants import approval. Inspectors verify:

• Structural integrity and chassis condition
• Brake system functionality and stopping power
• Emission compliance with Kenyan environmental standards
• Safety features including airbags and seatbelts
• VIN authenticity to prevent stolen vehicle imports

This multi-point inspection system ensures only safe, reliable vehicles reach Kenyan roads.

Essential Documentation Checklist for Vehicle Importation

Proper paperwork prevents clearance delays. You’ll need a licensed customs clearing agent registered with KRA—find verified agents on the official KRA portal.

Required Original Documents

Financial Documents:

• Commercial invoice showing actual purchase price
• Bill of lading proving shipment details
• Insurance certificate covering transit period

Vehicle Documentation:

• Import Declaration Form (IDF) filed electronically
• Authentic foreign logbook from the country of export
• Certificate of roadworthiness from recognized inspection body

Critical Document Rule: Foreign Logbooks

KRA explicitly rejects Dubai Police Certificates of Export and similar documents as logbook substitutes. Only original registration books from official motor vehicle departments qualify.

Non-English logbooks require certified translation from the relevant embassy, high commission, or consulate operating in Kenya before submission.

Understanding Kenya’s Vehicle Import Tax Structure

Import taxes constitute the largest expense beyond your vehicle’s purchase price. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Tax Components Breakdown

1. Import Duty: 25% of customs valuation
2. Excise Duty (engine-based):

• 20% for vehicles under 1500cc (fuel-efficient models)
• 25% for vehicles 1500cc and above (larger engines)

3. Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of total value
4. Railway Development Levy: 2% infrastructure contribution
5. Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% processing charge

How CIF Value Affects Your Total Cost

All percentages calculate from your CIF value—the sum of:

• Invoice price (what you paid for the vehicle)
• Insurance premium (transit coverage)
• Freight charges (shipping costs to Mombasa)

Real-World Tax Calculation Example

Vehicle: Toyota Auris 1800cc, registered January 2018
CIF Value: KES 623,855.40

Final Cost: KES 1,165,049.96 (vehicle + all taxes)

The Customs Clearance Process: Step-by-Step

Once your vehicle arrives at Mombasa port:

Step 1: Your clearing agent files electronic entry in the SIMBA 2005 system
Step 2: KRA assesses your documentation and calculates duties
Step 3: Agent pays all taxes and fees electronically
Step 4: Physical inspection verifies documents match actual vehicle
Step 5: Customs releases vehicle after compliance confirmation
Step 6: Vehicle registration with NTSA completes the import process

Smart Tips to Reduce Import Costs

Choose smaller engines: The 5% excise duty difference between engine sizes significantly impacts total cost on higher-value vehicles.

Verify age before purchase: Don’t buy a vehicle approaching the eight-year limit—shipping delays could make it ineligible upon arrival.

Use trusted agents: Experienced clearing agents prevent documentation errors that cause expensive delays.

Factor in all costs: Budget for the full CIF value plus 87% additional for taxes (on 1800cc+ vehicles) before committing to purchase.

Common Import Mistakes to Avoid

Accepting export certificates instead of logbooks leads to automatic rejection—insist on authentic registration documents from sellers.

Misunderstanding the age calculation—remember it’s years from first registration, not manufacture date.

Underestimating total costs—many importers only budget for the vehicle price and get shocked by tax obligations.

Conclusion: Import with Confidence

Bringing a vehicle into Kenya requires careful attention to KRA regulations, proper documentation, and realistic budget planning. The eight-year age limit, right-hand drive requirement, and substantial tax obligations are non-negotiable factors in your import decision.

Work with licensed clearing agents, verify all documentation authenticity before shipment, and calculate total landing costs including the 25% import duty, engine-based excise duty, 16% VAT, and additional levies that typically add 80-90% to your vehicle’s purchase price.

Understanding these requirements protects you from clearance complications and helps you make informed decisions when shopping for your imported vehicle.

Need help with vehicle importation? Visit the official Kenya Revenue Authority website or consult registered clearing agents for personalized guidance on your specific vehicle import.

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