Importation of used vehicles to Kenya

The vehicle importation to Kenya is covered under the Kenya Bureau of Standard.

Age Limit


All road vehicles, which are more than eight years old from the year of manufacture, shall not be allowed for importation.

Left Hand Drive

All left hand drive vehicles are not allowed for registration unless they are for special purpose i.e. Ambulances, Fire Tenders and large construction vehicles imported for projects and to be eventually donated to the Kenyan Government.

 Road Worthiness

All used vehicles imported into Kenya shall be inspected for Road Worthiness, safety and other requirements.
All imports of used motor vehicles including those belonging to returning residents, diplomats and or public servants must meet the above requirements.

Duties and Taxes payable


Import duty at 25%, Excise duty at 20% and VAT at 16% are payable cumulatively and in that order. i.e,

• Import duty is 25% of the Customs value (CIF) of the vehicle i.e. 25% of (Invoice value + Insurance + Freight charges)
• Excise duty is 20% of (Customs Value + Import Duty)
• VAT is 16% of (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)

Further, an Import Declaration Fee (IDF) of 2.25% of the CIF is also charged subject to a minimum of Ksh. 5,000 payable in advance on application.

To clear the vehicle through Kenya Customs, an importer will have to contract a licensed clearing agent to process their declaration in the Simba 2005 system. A listing of licensed clearing agents is available online here.