Persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) are exempted from paying taxes when importing a vehicle in Kenya, enhancing their mobility as far as movement is concerned. Disability is not inability. A vehicle comes in handy when a PLWD wants to go to church, maybe at the All Saints Cathedral or the Holy Family Basilica, go to a business meeting at the Serena Hotel, or go on a family vacation in Diani. This step-by-step guide outlines eligibility rules, a documentation checklist, and crucial regulations.
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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Who Qualifies?
To be exempted from paying duty when importing a vehicle into Kenya, you must successfully meet the following requirements set by the National Council for Persons Living with Disability (NCPWD) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- You must be a registered member of the National Council for Persons Living with Disability (NCPWD) and hold a valid membership card
- Exemption frequency – The exemption to import a duty-free vehicle is granted once every four years
- The imported vehicle must be strictly for personal use; it cannot be deployed for commercial services.
- Driving provisions – You should have a valid Kenyan driving license with the appropriate endorsement (Class H or F). You are allowed to nominate a driver if you cannot drive due to visual, hearing, or physical impairments.
Documents Checklist
(A.) Personal Documents
- National ID
- NCPWD ID card
- Valid Driving license (Class H or F)
- Medical certificate from a registered doctor
- Recommendation letter from National Council for Persons Living with Disability (NCPWD)
- Official application letter addressed to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control requesting the tax exemption.
(B.) Tax Documents
- KRA PIN
- Tax compliance certificate
- Income tax exemption certificate (Where required)
(C.) Vehicle/ Import Documents
- Pro-forma invoice
- Bill of lading
- Proof of payment for the vehicle
- Interim import declaration form (IDF) and KEBS pre-export roadworthiness inspection certificate
- Personal bank statements for the last 6 months showing financial proof that the funds used to purchase the vehicle belong to you.
(D.) Nominated Driver Documentation (Where Applicable)
- A copy of the nominated driver’s national ID and a valid driving licence
- A formal driver nomination letter and an affidavit confirming the arrangement.
Step-By-Step Import Procedure
- Sourcing & selecting the vehicle – Find a suitable vehicle that complies with the 8-year age limit in Kenya, and it must be a right-hand drive (RHD) car.
- NCPWD Recommendation & Application – Secure the recommendation letter and obtain your medical documentation.
- Lodge exemption via iTax – Submit your formal application and supporting documents to the KRA customs registry through the iTax system
- Shipping & Port Arrival – Once the exemption has been approved, you can now ship the vehicle to Kenya
- Mandatory Test Drive – Conduct a physical test drive of the vehicle at the point of entry in the presence of a designated customs officer
- Registration & Delivery – After a successful registration, registration plates and logbook will be processed under your name before final delivery.
A vehicle being imported to Kenya must;
- Be right-hand drive (RHD)
- Be within the 8-year rule limit
- Be subjected to the applicable inspection/ verification requirements
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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