Arcana X Motors Kenya
Import cars being unloaded at Mombasa port with shipping containers in the background
The Kenya Import Playbook

Importing a Vehicle to Kenya

A step-by-step playbook covering KRA import rules, Mombasa & Nairobi ICD clearance, shipping options, duties, paperwork, and realistic timelines — everything you need to import with confidence.

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Overview

Importing to Kenya

Kenya is one of East Africa's most significant vehicle import markets. Right-hand-drive vehicles from the UK, Japan and UAE dominate Kenyan roads, and the country operates an established import process through the Kenya Revenue Authority.

Arcana X Motors manages the full export-to-import journey to Kenya — including KEBS-approved pre-shipment inspection coordination, documentation preparation, sea freight booking, and Mombasa clearance and onward registration support.

Import Rules

What Kenya Requires

Drive configuration
Right-hand drive required.
Vehicle age limit
Maximum 8 years from first registration at time of import.
Condition
Roadworthy condition. Pre-shipment inspection may verify KEBS-approved requirements.
Customs authority
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Tax & VAT
Import duty (25%), excise duty, and VAT (16%) applied on CIF value.
Standards
KEBS pre-export inspection required. Safety standards must be met.

Import rules and taxes are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant Kenyan authorities prior to shipment.

Entry Points

Major Ports

Mombasa

Principal deep-water port and main vehicle import hub for East Africa.

Nairobi ICD

Inland container depot serving the capital for customs clearance.

Logistics

Shipping Options

Ro-Ro Shipping

Roll-on/Roll-off vessels — cost-effective for standard vehicles. Frequent sailings from Japan, UK & UAE.

Container Shipping

Enclosed protection. Recommended for prestige and high-value vehicles or when shipping multiple cars.

Air Freight

Fastest option, reserved for time-sensitive high-end shipments.

Inland / Transit Routing

Onward road/rail transport from Mombasa to Nairobi or upcountry destinations.

Paperwork

Required Documentation

  • UK/JP V5C Registration Certificate (original)
  • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of Origin (where required)
  • Insurance certificate
  • Import Permit / Customs Entry Forms (destination)
  • Copy of buyer's passport / national ID
Timelines

Estimated Timelines

  1. 01
    Vehicle sourcing & preparation
    1–2 weeks depending on spec & auction availability
  2. 02
    Documentation & export clearance
    3–5 working days
  3. 03
    Sea freight transit
    Up to 60 days at sea (Japan/UK routes typically 30–60 days; UAE 25–35 days)
  4. 04
    Air freight (optional)
    Minimum 14 days door-to-door for time-critical shipments
  5. 05
    Customs clearance at destination
    5–10 working days once vehicle is landed at Mombasa or Nairobi ICD
  6. 06
    Total estimated process
    6–12 weeks door-to-delivery by sea (subject to availability and season)
Tax & Duties

Import Tax Breakdown

Import duty
25% of CIF value
Excise duty
20% (petrol < 1500cc), 25% (diesel < 2500cc), 35% (petrol > 2500cc), 35% (SUVs)
VAT
16% on (CIF + duty + excise)
Railway Development Levy
2% of CIF
IDF Fee
3.5% of CIF (min KES 5,000)
Age restriction
First registration ≤ 8 years. Vehicles over 6 years attract a 20% additional levy.

Tax rates and duties are subject to change. Verify with the current authority before shipping.

Port Guide

Mombasa in Detail

Port of Mombasa

Mombasa Port is the main harbour and the primary entry point for East Africa. Vehicles arrive at the Mombasa Inland Container Depot (ICD) via KEBS pre-export inspection (PVOC) — a mandatory body to comply with, arranged with a KEBS-approved inspector in the country of origin.

On arrival, the importer must present documents to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for customs clearance. Standard customs for vehicles clears in 5–10 working days. Budget 7–14 days for customs clearance at Mombasa. Port congestion can add to this — a few extra buffer days help.

Local Market Advice

The Kenyan used-car market is capital-scarce. Buyers in Nairobi expect clean service histories and low mileage. Japanese-spec, RHD vehicles are the norm; low-mileage GCC-spec and UK cars stand out positively in the local market.

Most-favoured SUVs and 4WDs sell overwhelmingly — no basic-trim limited-edition sedans. Colours drive value; whites and blacks in premium. Avoid loud colours that are unusual in the local market. Budget for import duty + excise + VAT (roughly 30–35% of value) at service, plus valuation, port handling, customs agent fees, and inland transport.

Why Import With Arcana X

Turnkey. Transparent. Trusted.

We run this playbook every week. Every line item is documented, every milestone tracked, and every duty receipt shared back to you.

  • 10+ years export experience
  • Full documentation support
  • Trusted shipping partners
  • Prestige & commercial vehicles
  • Private & trade clients welcome
Start Your Import

Import Request Form

Tell us the car you want, your budget, and how soon you need it. We reply within one business day with sourcing options and a full landed-cost estimate.

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Import a Vehicle to Kenya

Contact our import team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.

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