Importing a car to Kenya involves a series of well-defined steps, and following them carefully can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. The process starts with choosing the right vehicle. You’ll need to decide on the make, model, year, and specifications that suit your needs, while ensuring the car complies with Kenyan regulations—particularly that it is right-hand drive and not more than eight years old from the year of first registration. Working with a trusted partner such as Elisa Motors ensures that the car you choose meets these standards and is sourced from reputable exporters.

Once you’ve identified the vehicle, the next step is to confirm the seller’s legitimacy. Elisa Motors can connect you with certified Japanese exporters, giving you peace of mind that the deal is genuine. At this stage, the seller issues a proforma invoice showing the car’s purchase price, shipping charges, and other fees. You should review it carefully before making payment. Payments are usually made through secure bank transfers to avoid fraud.

Before shipping, the car must undergo a mandatory pre-export roadworthiness inspection through JEVIC or QISJ. This confirms the car meets Kenya’s safety and environmental requirements. Without this inspection certificate, the vehicle cannot be cleared at the Port of Mombasa. Once inspection is complete, the exporter books shipping—either Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) for cost efficiency or container shipping for extra security.

Shipping from Japan to Kenya generally takes four to six weeks. When the vehicle arrives, a licensed clearing agent steps in to manage customs clearance. This involves paying the necessary duties and taxes: Import Duty at 35% of the customs value, Excise Duty ranging from 25% to 35% depending on engine size, VAT at 16%, and the Import Declaration Fee (3.5%) plus the Railway Development Levy (2%). The customs value is determined using KRA’s Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule, so it’s important to budget for these costs beforehand.

After duties are paid, the vehicle is released from the port. You then proceed to register it with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This process requires the original logbook from Japan, the inspection certificate, customs clearance documents, and proof of tax payment. NTSA will issue a Kenyan logbook and number plates, officially allowing you to drive the car on Kenyan roads. Elisa Motors provides full guidance here, ensuring no paperwork is missed and avoiding costly delays.

To make the process smooth, always verify your exporter’s credentials, use licensed clearing agents, and prepare for all costs from the beginning. Elisa Motors offers end-to-end assistance—from helping you select your car to clearing and registering it—making it the safest and most efficient way to import a vehicle into Kenya.

FAQs

How long does it take to import a car to Kenya?
Usually four to six weeks, excluding clearance and registration time.

Can I import a left-hand drive car?
Only in special cases such as ambulances or construction vehicles.

What happens if my car fails inspection?
It must be repaired and re-inspected before shipping, which may delay the process.

Is RoRo shipping safe?
Yes, it’s widely used and cost-effective, but container shipping offers extra security.

Does Elisa Motors handle the entire process?
Yes, they manage sourcing, inspection, shipping, clearance, and registration