Did you know importing a car to Kenya is quite a bit cheaper compared to buying locally? Yes, that is true, but the final cost incurred is dependent on the vehicle’s age, customs valuation, engine size, fuel type, exchange rate, shipping costs, and applicable taxes, which may vindicate my opening statement or prove otherwise. That is Kenya for you.
Looking to import your dream car? We specialize in seamless, reliable car importation. Reach out to us today at info@safarimports.co.ke or connect instantly via Call/ WhatsApp at 0717 200 956.
Where Can You Import a Car From?
- Japan
It is the leading car exporter in the world. Many Kenyans prefer Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars thanks to their reputable history of reliability, durability, and excellent fuel economy. Japanese cars often come with an auction sheet & auction grade, which provide information about the vehicle’s condition, mileage, damage, and repairs. You can get the following cars in Japan;
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Nissan
- Mitsubishi
- Suzuki
- Mazda
- Subaru
- United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is the home of luxury cars that offer a seamless blend of performance, comfort, practicality, and cutting-edge technology. As good as its cars are, you need to be vigilant and extra careful when sourcing cars, and at the same time confirm they are right-hand drive (RHD) cars because left-hand drive cars are also available in plenty. You can get the following cars in the UK;
- Land Rover
- Range Rover
- Jaguar
- Porsche
- BMW
- Audi
- Mercedes-Benz
- Maserati
- Alfa Romeo
- Ferrari
- Peugeot
- South Africa
This is the most attractive market, especially for Kenyans who want a tropicalized vehicle. Geographically, it is closer to Kenya, meaning shipping costs may not be as exorbitant compared to vehicles coming from Japan or the UK. In that market, you can get the following vehicles;
- Toyota
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Isuzu
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- GWM
- Citroen
- Renault
Step-by-Step Process of Importing a Car to Kenya
- Choose the Vehicle
- Make
- Model
- Year
- First registration date
- Engine size
- Fuel type
- Transmission
- Mileage
- Grade/ Trim level
- Drive configuration (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)
- Steering position (Must be Right-Hand Drive (RHD)
Example Given: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J250, 2.8 L Turbo Diesel, Automatic, 4WD, RHD.
- Confirm whether it is Eligible to be shipped to Kenya
Confirm: Age, RHD, specifications, documentation, and roadworthiness.
- Understand Japanese Auction Grades
This is very crucial when importing a car from Japan. A little bit of negligence will cost you a lot.
| GRADE | MEANING |
| S/6 | Brand new |
| 5 | Exceptional condition, minimal mileage (under 50,000 km) |
| 4.5 | Perfect condition (under 100,000 km). Minor wear that requires no major repair |
| 4 | Above average condition (under 150,000 kms). May feature minor scratches or small dents consistent with normal use |
| 3.5 | Average condition, standard wear & tear, visible minor scratches, small panel repairs needed |
| 3 | Below average, noticeable scratches, dents & interior stains |
| 2 | Poor condition |
| 1 | Major modification, damage, or unusual condition |
| R/ RA | Repair history. The vehicle has been involved in a past accident and professionally repaired (R), or structural components replaced (RA) |
Map of Body Codes on Auction Sheets
| CODE | MEANING |
| A1/ A2/ A3 | Scratch (A1 is light/ polishable), (A3 is deep, requiring a respray) |
| U1/ U2/ U3 | Dent (U1 is a small pin dent; U3 is a major palm-sized dent) |
| W1/ W2/ W3 | Wave/ Repair sign (W1 indicates a clean repair; W3 indicates a poor repair needing attention) |
| X/ XX | Panel needs replacement (X), or has already been replaced (XX) |
| Y1/ Y3 | Cracked or damaged light assemblies |
The Tax Stack Breakdown
Taxes compound sequentially based on the customs value (CIF), combining the cost of the car, insurance, and freight charges
| TAX | PERCENTAGE | APPLIED AGAINST |
| Import Declaration Fee (IDF) | 3.5% | CIF Value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) |
| Railway Development Levy (RDL) | 2.0% | CIF Value |
| Customs Import Duty | 25.05 | CIF Value |
| Excise Duty | 20% (for 1500cc vehicles & below)
25% (for 1500cc vehicles & above) |
CIF + Import Duty |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 16.0% | CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty |
RoRo vs Container Shipping
- RoRo (Roll on/ Roll off)
The vehicle is driven into the ship
Advantages
- Suitable for ordinary cars
- It is straightforward
- Designed for vehicles
- Container
The vehicle is loaded into a shipping container
Advantages
- Additional protection
- Ideal for high-end luxury cars
NTSA Registration
After the car has been cleared at the port in Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or the Namanga border stop, you will receive a Kenyan registration number plate and a logbook.
Looking to import your dream car? We specialize in seamless, reliable car importation. Reach out to us today at info@safarimports.co.ke or connect instantly via Call/ WhatsApp at 0717 200 956.
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To buy spare parts, accessories, and body kits, visit: SAFARI SPARES
