Arcana X Motors Kenya
Import Cars from the UK to Kenya
Imports · 🇬🇧 · 40–55 days

Import Cars from the UK to Kenya

The UK is Kenya's premier source of right-hand-drive European luxury. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Range Rover, Jaguar, Bentley, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce — all directly compatible with Kenyan roads and steering.

Arcana X Motors sources from established UK main-dealer trade-ins, franchised used-car networks and vetted independent dealers. We handle pre-purchase inspection, HPI check, mileage verification, and export shipping from Southampton or Tilbury.

Highlights: Mercedes-Benz C, E, S, GLE, GLS, G-Class; BMW 3, 5, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6, X7 and M variants; Audi A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS4/5/6; Range Rover Vogue, Sport, Velar, Evoque and Discovery; Jaguar F-Pace, XF and XE; and premium Volkswagen models like the Touareg, Tiguan, Golf R and Arteon.

Turnaround is typically 40–55 days. UK-sourced cars often carry higher option specs than JDM equivalents — heated leather, panoramic roofs, adaptive cruise, larger wheel packages.

  • ▸Right-hand drive from origin — no conversion required
  • ▸Higher option specs than most JDM equivalents
  • ▸Full HPI, MOT and service history disclosed
  • ▸40–55 day turnaround via Southampton or Tilbury

🇬🇧 From the UK — Available Stock

All imports →

No open imports from this origin right now — request a specific spec and we'll source it within 40–55 days.

Import Regulations

Import Rules

Drive Configuration
Right-hand drive as standard — no conversion required.
Vehicle Age Limit
Maximum 8 years from year of first registration at time of import.
Condition
Roadworthy condition. Pre-shipment inspection required by a KEBS-approved inspector.
Customs Authority
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Duty & VAT
Import duty 25%, excise duty (by engine size), VAT 16% — all applied on CIF value.
Standards
KEBS pre-export inspection (PVoC) required. UK V5C and MOT history disclosed.
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 service ex-Southampton. Cost-effective for most saloons and SUVs.

Container Shipping

Dedicated or shared container ex-Southampton or Tilbury. Recommended for prestige and high-value vehicles.

Air Freight

Available on special request for time-critical or high-value shipments.

Inland / Transit Routing

For landlocked destinations — coordinated road transport from Mombasa port.

Paperwork

Required Documentation

Timelines

Estimated Timelines

1
Vehicle Sourcing & Inspection
1–2 weeks depending on specification and availability
2
Documentation & Export Clearance
5–7 working days
3
Sea Freight Transit (Southampton/Tilbury → Mombasa)
21–28 days
4
Customs Clearance at Destination
5–10 working days depending on port and documentation
5
Total Estimated Process
40–55 days from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Tax & Duties

Import Tax Breakdown

Import Duty
25% of CIF value
Excise Duty
20% (petrol ≤1500cc); 25% (diesel or petrol 1500–2500cc); 35% (>2500cc); reduced for hybrids/EVs
VAT
16% on CIF + duty + excise
Railway Development Levy
2% of CIF
IDF Fee
3.5% of CIF (min KES 5,000)
Age Restriction
Vehicles must be under 8 years old from year of manufacture at shipment

Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. We verify current rates with KRA before every quote.

Port Guide

Port Guide

Vehicles are exported from Southampton or Tilbury and arrive at the Mombasa Inland Container Depot (ICD). A KEBS pre-export inspection (PVoC) is mandatory before departure from the UK.

On arrival, the importer must present documents to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Nairobi ICD (Embakasi) handles inland customs for vehicles destined for Nairobi. Budget 5–10 working days for clearance at Mombasa — port congestion can add delays, so we allow buffer time.

Market Advice

Local Market Advice

UK imports carry a strong reputation in the Kenyan market for higher option specs, main-dealer service history and clean HPI records — buyers in Nairobi and Mombasa specifically ask for UK-sourced stock for this reason.

German and British executive brands (Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi) hold their resale value best. Neutral colours — silver, white and black — remain easiest to resell. Budget for import duty + excise + VAT (can total 60–80% of vehicle CIF value) plus port handling, customs agent fees, and inland transport.

Questions about importing from UK

Are UK cars more expensive to import than Japanese?+

Sticker price is often higher, but you're paying for higher trim spec, more options, and (for European brands) main-dealer service history. Total landed cost differs less than most buyers assume — often within 10–15%.

Do UK imports need converting for Kenya?+

No. The UK drives on the left just like Kenya, so imports are already right-hand drive. Only headlight beam pattern may need a minor tweak, which we handle before delivery.