The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Car to Kenya (2025 Update)

Avoid Costly Mistakes – Follow This Proven Process

🚗 Step 1: Choose the Right Car

✅ Must-Have Criteria:

• Right-Hand Drive (RHD) – Mandatory in Kenya

• 2018 or Newer Models – Kenya’s 2025 age limit

• Reliable Brands – Toyota, Mazda, Honda & Subaru dominate Kenyan roads

🔍 Research Tips:

• Verify exporters via JUMVEA membership & 3+ customer references

• Check model-specific issues (e.g., Toyota Harrier hybrid battery life)

(Pro Tip: Use CarVX to verify auction history)

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💰 Step 2: Negotiate Like a Pro

📌 Key Terms to Demand:

• C&F (Cost & Freight) – Shipping included in price

• Pre-Shipment Inspection – By QISJ or AA Japan

• Tax Estimate – Calculate via KRA’s Tool

💡 Payment Strategies:

• 50% deposit to secure and ship the vehicle

• TT (Telegraphic Transfer) – Lower forex fees than credit cards

• 50% Balance to send the original documents

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📦 Step 3: Shipping & Logistics

Critical Choices:

1. CFS (Container Freight Station):

   • Mombasa: Bossfreight, Kencont, Portside, Interpel CFS etc (Most  give 15 days free period)

2. Documents to Expect:

   • Original Bill of Lading

   • Export Certificate (In Japanese + Translation)

   • QISJ/AA inspection Certificate

   • Commercial Invoice

(Warning: Never accept scanned docs – demand originals!)

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🛃 Step 4: Clearing & Taxes

Cost Breakdown (Example: 2018 Toyota Harrier imported in 2025):

Fee Type	Amount (KSh)
Import Duty	411,000
Excise Duty	396,000
Value Added Tax (VAT)	317,000
Import Declaration Fees (IDF), Railway Development Levy (RDL)	53,000
UCR, Radiation fees + Clearing Agent	15,000

🔑 Agent Tips:

• Hire only KRA-licensed agents (Verify Here)

• Demand all receipts – Avoid "hidden fee" scams

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🚛 Step 5: Delivery & Registration

1. Pre-Delivery Check:

   • Have your agent check for any damages drive before releasing from CFS

   • Verify mileage matches auction sheet

2. Registration Must-Haves:

   • NTSA Account (e-citizen platform)

   • Valid insurance (Third-party minimum)

(Note: Number plates take 7-14 days)

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❌ 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying LHD Cars – Impossible to register

2. Ignoring Inspections – 30% of imports have hidden damage

3. Underpaying Taxes – KRA penalties = 20% of car value

4. Cheap Agents – 9/10 scams involve unlicensed brokers

5. Rushing Delivery – Missing docs cause month-long delays

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💡 Pro Tips for 2025

• Electric/Hybrid Cars: Now exempt from VAT (Save KSh 300K+)

• Self-Importation: 15% cheaper

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Need Help? Contact Our Verified Agents HERE. Speak to us if you need any further information or you want to consult.