📌 How Kenyan Import Regulations
Before you start, ensure the car meets Kenya’s import criteria.
✅ Requirements:
- Age of Vehicle : Maximum 8 years old (calculated from year of first registration).
- Right-hand drive allowed : Yes.
- Engine Capacity :
- Vehicles above 3,000cc may attract higher taxes.
- Passenger vehicles over 2,000cc also face higher duties.
- Prohibited Models : Some models are banned due to safety concerns; confirm with KEBS or NTSA.
🔍 Check updates on KEBS and NTSA websites.
📌 Step 2: Source the Vehicle in Japan
You can source vehicles through:
🏪 Japanese Auction Houses/Websites:
- Goo-net Exchange
- Auc-Web Japan
- COPART Japan
🧑💼 Export Companies or Agents:
Many companies specialize in exporting Japanese used cars to Africa. They handle bidding, inspections, documentation, and shipping.
💡 Ask for:
- Full inspection report
- Shaken Certificate (Japanese MOT)
- Mileage verification
- Clean history (no flood/fire damage)
📌 Step 3: Calculate Total Cost of Import
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Car Price | ¥300,000 – ¥1,500,000 (~$2,000–$10,000) |
| Export Fees (Japan) | $200 – $400 |
| Shipping (Ro-Ro) | $400 – $700 |
| Insurance (optional) | $100 – $200 |
| Customs & Taxes (Kenya) | ~40–60% of CIF value |
| Clearing Agent Fees | KES 40,000 – 70,000 |
| NTSA & Registration | KES 20,000 – 30,000 |
Example: A $5,000 car could end up costing around $9,000–$11,000 by the time it’s cleared and registered.
📌 Step 4: Ship the Vehicle to Kenya
🚢 Shipping Options:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) : Most common and cheaper method.
- Container Shipping : More secure, allows extra cargo.
Popular shipping lines include:
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen
- NYK Line
- MOL
📍 Port of Entry: Mombasa Port , Kenya.
📌 Step 5: Clear the Vehicle at Mombasa Port
You’ll need a licensed clearing agent to process customs clearance.
📄 Required Documents:
- Bill of Lading (Original)
- Invoice from seller
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from KEBS
- Pre-shipment Inspection Report (PSI)
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- Taxpayer PIN certificate
- Personal ID or Company RC
- Insurance documents
💰 Taxes Payable:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF |
| Excise Duty | 20% of (CIF + Duty) |
| VAT | 16% of (CIF + Duty + ED) |
| Withholding Tax | 2% of CIF |
| Rail & Handling | ~KES 20,000–40,000 |
| Clearing Fees | ~KES 40,000–70,000 |
💡 Use an online Customs Duty Calculator or ask your agent for a detailed quote.
📌 Step 6: Register the Vehicle with NTSA
After clearing the car, register it with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) .
Steps:
- Book an appointment via NTSA Portal
- Take the car for inspection
- Get license plates
- Receive logbook and update your driver’s license if necessary
📌 Step 7: Optional but Recommended
- Hire a reputable clearing agent
- Use a car sourcing agent in Japan
- Buy from sellers who provide export-ready documentation
- Keep all records for future reference
🚗 Popular Cars Imported from Japan to Kenya
| Model | Popularity Reason |
|---|---|
| Toyota Fielder | Fuel-efficient, spacious |
| Toyota Premio | Comfortable family sedan |
| Nissan B15 | Affordable entry-level sedan |
| Subaru Impreza | AWD, durable |
| Mazda Demio | Compact, fuel-efficient |
| Toyota Ipsum/Vitz | Great for city driving |
✅ Final Checklist
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Research legal requirements | ☐ |
| Source vehicle from Japan | ☐ |
| Confirm export documents | ☐ |
| Arrange shipping | ☐ |
| Prepare customs documents | ☐ |
| Pay customs duties & taxes | ☐ |
| Clear vehicle at Mombasa | ☐ |
| Register with NTSA | ☐ |
| Get insurance & roadworthy cert | ☐ |