A Guide to Importing a Motor Vehicle into Kenya
Thinking of importing a motor vehicle into Kenya? Whether you’re purchasing a new or used car, you must follow specific customs procedures and legal requirements to avoid delays or penalties.
Here’s everything you need to know before bringing your vehicle into the country.
Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent
To clear a vehicle through Kenya Customs, you must use a licensed clearing agent. The agent will:
- Lodge the import entry in the KRA system
- Pay the required taxes and duties
- Present the necessary documents for customs processing
You can find the full list of licensed agents on the KRA website.
Vehicle Standards for Importation
Your vehicle must comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards KS 1515:2000, which outlines the following conditions:
- Age limit: Must be eight years or less from the year of manufacture
- Drive configuration: Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited unless for special use (e.g., ambulances, fire engines, or donation to the government)
- Roadworthiness: All used vehicles must be inspected for safety and compliance
Inspection must be done by an authorized agency before clearance.
Required Documents for Clearance
When importing a car, the following documents are mandatory:
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original Bill of Lading
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- Original Logbook from the country of origin
- Certificate of Roadworthiness
Note: A Certificate of Export (e.g., from Dubai Police) is not accepted in place of a logbook. If your logbook is in a foreign language, you must provide an official English translation certified by an Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in Kenya.
Tax and Duties Payable
The total cost includes Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, and additional levies. These are calculated based on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) and the vehicle’s Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP).
Breakdown of Payable Taxes:
- Import Duty: 25% of CIF
- Excise Duty:
- 20% for ≤1500cc
- 25% for >1500cc
- VAT: 16% of (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of CIF
- Railway Development Levy: 2% of CIF
Example:
For a Toyota Auris (1800cc) manufactured in January 2017:
- CIF: Ksh 623,855.40
- Import Duty: Ksh 155,963.85
- Excise Duty: Ksh 194,954.81
- VAT: Ksh 155,963.85
- IDF: Ksh 21,834.94
- Railway Levy: Ksh 12,477.11
- Total Duties Payable: Ksh 541,194.56
For CIF and CRSP estimation, refer to the KRA valuation templates.
Buying a Previously Exempt Vehicle?
If you acquire a vehicle that was previously exempt, a clearing agent must lodge a fresh entry, and the vehicle must undergo customs inspection. Upon approval, duties must be paid before clearance.
Final Thoughts
Importing a motor vehicle into Kenya is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and engage the right professionals. Ensure compliance with standards, prepare accurate documents, and consult a licensed agent to make your dream car a reality.
