Kenya Car Import Guide 2025: What to Know Before Bringing Your Vehicle Home

Importing a car into Kenya can be a great way to acquire a high-quality vehicle that may not be readily available in the local market. However, the process can be complicated, with various costs, regulations, and steps involved. Whether you’re importing a brand new or second-hand car, understanding the importation process is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and delays.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of importing a car into Kenya, including the costs, required documents, and important tips to help ensure a smooth importation experience.

1. Research the Car and Choose a Reliable Seller

What to Look For

Before importing a car, it’s important to research the type of vehicle you want to import and ensure it meets Kenya’s regulations. You can import new cars, used cars, or salvaged vehicles. Make sure the car you’re interested in adheres to the country’s emission standards and age limits.

Why It Matters

Compliance: Cars imported into Kenya must comply with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) guidelines.
Reliability: Choosing a reputable seller, especially for used cars, ensures that the car is in good condition and has the necessary documentation.

What You Should Do

✔ Research the type of car you want to import and check its age, condition, and compliance with Kenyan regulations.
✔ Choose a trusted seller or dealership with a good reputation for selling cars to Kenya.
✔ Make sure the car meets the age limit—Kenya allows the importation of used cars that are less than 8 years old from the year of manufacture.

2. Understand the Costs Involved

What to Look For

Importing a car to Kenya comes with various costs, including shipping fees, taxes, and registration. The costs can vary depending on the type of car, where it’s being imported from, and the shipping method used.

Why It Matters

Total Cost: Understanding the full cost breakdown will help you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Import Duty & Taxes: Taxes and duties can account for a significant portion of the car’s cost, so it’s essential to factor them into your budget.

What You Should Do

✔ Calculate Import Duty and Taxes: Import duties are typically calculated as a percentage of the car’s Customs Value, which includes the cost of the car, shipping, and insurance.

Import Duty: Typically 25% of the car’s value.
Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the customs value.
Import Declaration Fee (IDF): A 1.5% fee of the customs value.
✔ Shipping Costs: Shipping costs depend on the destination port, the car’s size, and the shipping method (container or Roll-on/Roll-off).
✔ Registration and Licensing Fees: These fees are required to register and license your car in Kenya.

3. Choose the Shipping Method

What to Look For

There are two common shipping methods used to import cars into Kenya: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Container Shipping. The shipping method you choose will depend on your budget and the car’s condition.

Why It Matters

Cost Differences: RoRo is the more affordable option, while container shipping is safer but more expensive.
Car Protection: Container shipping provides better protection against weather and damage during transit.

What You Should Do

✔ RoRo Shipping: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, RoRo shipping allows your car to be driven onto the ship and then offloaded at the Kenyan port.
✔ Container Shipping: If you’re importing a high-value or delicate car, consider container shipping to protect it from damage and weather during transport.

4. Pay for the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and Customs Clearance

What to Look For

Once the car arrives in Kenya, you need to pay the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) to initiate the customs clearance process. This is a crucial step in the importation process, as the car cannot be cleared without it.

Why It Matters

Customs Compliance: Paying the IDF and clearing the car through Kenya Customs is required for the release of your vehicle.
Smooth Process: Proper clearance ensures that your car won’t be delayed or seized by customs.

What You Should Do

✔ Submit the IDF: The IDF is typically 1.5% of the car’s customs value and is paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
✔ Clear the car through customs: Provide all required documentation, including proof of payment, invoices, and other necessary details to facilitate the clearance process.

5. Inspection and Registration

What to Look For

After customs clearance, the car needs to be inspected by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and then registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Why It Matters

Compliance and Safety: The inspection ensures that the car meets Kenyan safety, emission, and roadworthy standards.
Official Registration: Registering the car with NTSA allows you to legally drive it in Kenya and receive your number plates.

What You Should Do

✔ Undergo the KEBS inspection: This ensures that your vehicle meets the required standards for road safety and emissions.
✔ Register the car with NTSA: Submit all required documents, including the inspection report, proof of customs clearance, and IDF payment, to complete the registration process.
✔ Obtain insurance: Purchase the mandatory third-party insurance before driving your car.

6. Pay for Vehicle Licensing and Get Your Number Plates

What to Look For

Once your car is cleared and inspected, you need to pay for the vehicle licensing and get your official number plates from the NTSA.

Why It Matters

Legal Requirement: Vehicle licensing is a legal requirement before you can drive your car on Kenyan roads.
Avoid Fines: Failure to license your vehicle can result in fines or penalties.

What You Should Do

✔ Pay for licensing: Vehicle licensing fees are based on the car’s engine capacity and age.
✔ Get your number plates: Once the licensing fee is paid, you will be issued with official Kenyan number plates.

7. Tips for a Smooth Car Importation Process

What to Look For

Importing a car can be a complex process, so it’s important to stay organized and informed.

Why It Matters

Avoid Delays: By following the correct procedures, you can avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
Save Money: Proper planning can help you minimize extra costs and fees.

What You Should Do

✔ Use a trusted clearing agent: Clearing agents can handle the paperwork, customs clearance, and other formalities for you.
✔ Be prepared for additional costs: Consider the possibility of unexpected fees such as customs duties, inspections, or insurance.
✔ Plan ahead: Be aware of the importation timeline to avoid unnecessary delays.

Conclusion: Successfully Import Your Car with Confidence

Importing a car into Kenya can be a great way to get the vehicle you want, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can avoid unnecessary delays, ensure compliance with local regulations, and enjoy your new car without a hitch.

For professional advice and assistance with the importation process, visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage. Our team is here to help you with everything from car inspections to registration and maintenance.

Need help with car importation? Contact us today for personalized assistance.