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How to import a car to Kenya: step-by-step guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about importing a car from Japan, the UK or South Africa, including the 8-year rule, KRA duty, inspection, shipping times and how Elisa Motors makes it simple.

  1. Choose your car

    Browse our catalogue and pick the exact version, or send us any car you want.

  2. Get a free quote

    We send the full landed price in KES (car, shipping, duty and clearing) with no hidden costs.

  3. We source & inspect

    We find the best unit at auction or from dealers, share photos and inspection reports, and you approve it.

  4. Shipping & clearing

    The car is shipped to Mombasa. We handle KEBS inspection, KRA duty, port and clearing.

  5. Drive away

    Collect in Mombasa or Nairobi, or we deliver to you, fully registered with Kenyan plates.

1. Check the car is eligible

Kenya's KEBS standard only allows used vehicles less than 8 years old from the year of first registration, so in 2026 you can import cars first registered in 2019 or later. Vehicles must be right-hand drive, which is why Japan, the UK and South Africa are the main sources.

2. Understand the landed cost

The price you see abroad is only the start. A full landed cost includes:

  • Vehicle price (FOB): the auction or dealer price in the export country
  • Freight & insurance: roll-on/roll-off shipping to Mombasa
  • Import duty: charged by KRA on the customs value
  • Excise duty: a rate that depends on engine capacity and fuel type
  • VAT (16%) plus the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL)
  • Port, clearing & registration: KPA charges, agency fees, NTSA registration and number plates

KRA calculates taxes using its Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule and the car's age, so duty on the same model can differ by year and version. We work all of this out for you and give you one all-inclusive price in KES.

Tip: Hybrids and cars under 1500 cc usually attract lower excise duty. Ask us to compare the landed cost of two versions before you decide.

3. Choose your source country

Japan: 4–6 weeks shipping

Japan is Kenya's number one source of used cars. Japanese cars are right-hand drive, well maintained, low mileage and sold through transparent auctions with graded inspection sheets. See cars from Japan →

UK: 5–7 weeks shipping

The UK is the best source for right-hand-drive European cars such as Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen. UK cars come with full service history and MOT records. See cars from UK →

South Africa: 2–4 weeks shipping

South Africa is the quickest route for tough, African-spec vehicles, especially pickups (bakkies) and SUVs such as the Hilux, Ranger, Fortuner and Pajero Sport, built for our roads and fuel. See cars from South Africa →

4. Inspection & shipping

Before loading, every car passes a KEBS-appointed pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection. The inspection certificate travels with the car's export documents. Ships arrive at the Port of Mombasa, where the car is verified and released once duty is paid.

5. Clearing, registration & delivery

We lodge the customs entry, pay KRA taxes on your behalf, clear the car from the port and register it with NTSA. You then collect in Mombasa or Nairobi, or we deliver to your town.

Why import with Elisa Motors?

  • Pick the exact version, year, colour and mileage you want
  • Transparent, all-inclusive KES quotes
  • Photos, auction sheets and inspection reports before you pay
  • WhatsApp updates from purchase to delivery

Car import FAQs

How much does it cost to import a car to Kenya?
The landed cost is made up of the car price (FOB), shipping and insurance to Mombasa, KRA taxes (import duty, excise duty, VAT, IDF and RDL, calculated on KRA's Current Retail Selling Price list), port charges, clearing and registration. Popular models like the Toyota Vitz and Honda Fit land from about KES 1M, while a Land Cruiser Prado lands from about KES 6.2M. We give you one all-inclusive figure in your quote.
What is the 8-year rule for importing cars into Kenya?
KEBS only allows used vehicles that are less than 8 years old from the year of first registration. In 2026 that means cars first registered in 2019 or later. Every car we import is compliant, and we check the date before you pay.
How long does it take to import a car to Kenya?
Typically 4–8 weeks from order to collection. South Africa is fastest (about 2–4 weeks shipping), Japan takes about 4–6 weeks and the UK about 5–7 weeks, plus about a week for port clearing and registration.
Do I have to pay the full amount upfront?
No. Payment terms are agreed in your written quote before we buy anything. You will always know what you are paying for and when.
Can I choose the exact version, colour and mileage?
Yes. Every car page lists the versions (grades) Kenyans buy most. Pick a version, then tell us your preferred year, colour, mileage and budget, and we will only source cars that match.
Are imported cars inspected?
Yes. All vehicles go through a KEBS-appointed pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection in the export country. We also share auction sheets and photos with you before purchase.
Which is better: Japan, UK or South Africa?
Japan is best for affordable Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda and Subaru models and hybrids. The UK is best for Range Rover, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW with service history. South Africa is best and fastest for pickups and body-on-frame SUVs like the Hilux, Ranger and Fortuner.

Can't find the car you want?

Tell us the make, model, year and budget. We'll source it from Japan, the UK or South Africa and send you a free landed-cost quote.

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