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.

Subaru Forester

Sleek lines, peppy performance and the quality that Subaru is noted for ensures that potential buyers will not be disappointed. All this tradition has been moved forward into one of Subaru’s hottest selling vehicles, the 2008/9 Subaru Forester.


Subaru have made some very appealing exterior designs over the years and with the Forester, they have got the chunky design just right. The chunkiness gives the Forester an impression that the car is strong, fluent and powerful. Rounded edges are tasteful, and the headlight and taillight design looks very good. Hot looking alloys and lots of silver trim make the exterior utterly gorgeous.

Subaru have one of the most stylish interiors around with plenty of options like a 6-disc in dash CD changer with MP3.WMA player which is attached to a 7 speaker audio system with subwoofer, Sirius Satellite capabilities, dual stage heated front seats, panoramic sliding glass moon-roof, leather trimmed upholstery and an optional 8-way power adjustable driver's seat. The Forester also comes with power mirrors, electronically controlled cruise control and lots of storage throughout the vehicle. The dashboard is classic Subaru and tastefully refined. The Forester has been equipped with the same dash layout as the Impreza. So if you're going from the bachelor-boy coupe to the family-man Forester SUV, you won't notice the difference - well, not much anyway! The 2008/9 Subaru Forester offers extra cabin space for all five seats. If you're doing carpool duty for the rugby team, even the lankiest locks will be comfy in the back seat. The Forester comes in five different alternative packages: the Forester X, the XS, the XS Premium, the XT and the XT Premium.

The Subaru Forester's grippy handling comes from the Subaru tradition. The all-wheel-drive system that transfers power where needed to supply the best traction. It's all automatic and on-guard all of the time.

Safety is top priority for the Subaru Forester with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, anti-lock brakes with Brake Force Distribution, daytime running lights, dual stage driver and passenger front and side airbags and much more. Their enviable five star crash test rating is exemplary.

From the powerhouse perspective, the basic difference between these models is that the X, the XS and the XS Premium are fitted with a 2.5 litre SOHC powerhouse (126 kW of power at 6000, 229 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm), while the XT and XT Premiums carry a DOHC turbo boxer unit that pumps out 169 kW of power at 5200 rpm and a very respectable 320 Nm of twist at a low 2800 rpm. Either engine type makes for very nippy acceleration. In turbo form, this SUV can move it! You also have the choice of either a manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic - depending on your driving tastes.

Premium build quality, reliability and performance make the Subaru Forester a roomy contender for the SUV bracket. Give the Subaru Forester a test ride today and see for yourself why a Subaru is the right vehicle for you.

Current model series include:

•Subaru Forester X 2.5
•Subaru Forester XS 2.5
•Subaru Forester XS Premium 2.5
•Subaru Forester XT 2.5 (169 kW)
•Subaru Forester XT Premium 2.5 (169 kW)

For any more information on the Subaru Foreste email tagcars@live.com

Nissan X-Trail

Building on the huge success of the first generation of X-Trail vehicles, Nissan has taken the next step by improving performance, comfort, convenience and most importantly, lower fuel consumption and emission output. As a design goes, the new Nissan X-Trail speaks for itself. The exterior has nice lines, and previous owners rave about its practicality, ease of use and performance.


The X-Trail has been completely restyled and has a robust, strong shape similar to its predecessor. They've also beefed up the exterior by extending the wheel arches and toughening the grille. Nissan have also used a deep D-pillar behind the profile of the rearmost side window. All of these features can be found across Nissan's 4x4 line.
The interior is nothing to scoff at either. The use of soft feeling materials in places commonly touched and premium-grade quality grained plastics offer style aplenty. A nice touch is the flocked surfaces in different colour shades throughout the cockpit area. You can even get trimming in silver or titanium colors to give that "techie" look if desired. Riding inside the new X-Trail is a true pleasure.

The well designed console and dash are angled to make access to switch-gear quick and simple. And the interior is packed with modern items such as cooling/warming drink holders, a CD-player, folding rear seats, and a removable and washable rear luggage board. Storage compartments througout the interior are many in number, and are tucked away in handy places. A unique and handy storage drawer slides out from below the raised rear cargo floor. There are two 12-volt power outlets: one that doubles as a cigarette lighter, while the other is located in the rear cargo area.


Standard on the Ti and TL models is a sunroof which adds to the already sunny and light cabin. An onboard computer displays up-to-date info on the vehicle's progress.
The new Nissan X-Trail has an upgraded ALL MODE 4x4 system. This means that uphill and downhill support activates on inclines greater than 10%. The mechanism holds the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. DDS (Downhill Drive Support) works off a switch on the centre console and uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a decent speed of 7km/h. When DDS kicks in, the driver concentrates on steering the vehicle.

The new Nissan X-Trail is slightly larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase increased by 5mm, and the overall length of the vehicle also increased by 175mm. Two highly acclaimed diesel engines and a powerful 4-cylinder petrol motor offer smooth and elastic performance, ranging from between 110 kW and 127 kW. The X-trail feels peppy and fuel consumption is good. Improved on-road dynamics make for balanced and grippy handling.
Certainly the Nissan X-Trail is a fantastic all-around family vehicle with the capacity for some good, if not serious, off-road ability. A pleasurable drive.

Current model series include:

• Nissan X-Trail ST
• Nissan X-Trail ST-S
• Nissan X-Trail Ti
• Nissan X-Trail Ti-L

For any more information on the Nissan X-Trail contact us tagcars@live.com

September 27th - Africa Concours d’Elegance Nairobi

The AccessKenya Africa Concours d’Elegance starts from 9.00 a.m. on September 27th this year.


Early callers at the Nairobi Racecourse where the event will be held will avoid traffic, choose prime parking spaces and view the Concours cars and motorcycles before having a cup of coffee, or tea.

Children will head to the centre of the Racecourse to enjoy the free activities and facilities at the Cadbury children’s corner. These include donkey cart rides, bouncing castles, a magic show and face painting.

While dedicated motorists concentrate on the highly prepared cars and magnificent motorcycles in the Concours d’Elegance, their families will have a fun outing. Throughout the day there will be live music and a wide selection of refreshments to suit all tastes and pockets.

In addition to the activities and the exhibits on the ground, a series of fly pasts will be action attractions in the air. These will be announced on the loudspeaker system in between reports on the latest car and motorcycle scores.

Motorists who are more interested in new vehicles than classic cars and motorcycles will have a happy time visiting the 25 Auto Expo (motor trade) stands. Potential buyers will be able to view and compare the latest cars, pick-ups and 4WDs.

Immediately after the completion of the Concours judging, spectators in the main Racecourse grandstands will view a parade of all competing cars and motorcycles. This will be followed by a podium prize giving and a colourful and spectacular grand finale by The Safari Cats. Super costumes and exciting dance routines with vibrant music will be featured in this show.

http://www.concourskenya.com/2009/gallery2009/index.htm

If Cars Were Like Computers

At a recent computer exposition, Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated: "If General Motors had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."


In response to Bill's comments, GM issued a press release stating: "If General Motors had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. 4.You would have to pull over to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason, you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive -- but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "General Protection Fault" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time GM introduced a new car, car buyers would have to learn to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.

Toyota Rav4

The Toyota RAV4 is in its third generation now, and is only getting better and better as each generation goes by. The first generation was from 1994 to 2000. The second was from 2001 to 2005. And the third, and current generation, started in 2006.

The third-generation RAV4 has loads of style, and it always looks solid and pleasant on the eye from any position you care to gaze at the vehicle from. The nose is nicely sculptured and the headlights are wide-eyed and purposeful. A high waistline gives the RAV4 a robust and muscley look that is accentuated with its wide 17 inch wheels and flared wheel arches. I like a vehicle that has hot looks and a sporty appearance.

The Rav4 is a vehicle that not only looks tough; it has has the credentials to tackle slippery conditions and plenty of off-roading jaunts. The electronically controlled AWD system is designed to help prevent the vehicle slipping sideways during steep off-road hill descents. It provides “feet off” driving down a steep incline. The latest AWD system was developed by Toyota to provide enhanced control and improved fuel economy.

Toyota Active AWD is a compact system that controls torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It achieves this by using a newly developed electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. The electronically controlled Active AWD system saves engine power and fuel by only driving the front wheels. It switches automatically to all-wheel drive when needed.

This fantastic technology is complimented with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) - standard on all models except the CV, Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i) - incorporating an Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) with EBD & BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) - standard on all models except the CV. With this level of AWD traction, the Toyota Rav4 is a class leader.

All Toyota RAV4 models are blessed with dual front SRS airbags, air conditioning that boasts a dust filter, 17" wheels, cruise control, a tilt & telescopic steering column adjustment, central locking & keyless entry, a 6 speaker MP3-compatible CD sound system with an audio input jack, an engine immobiliser and a Toyota Safe-T Cell. These are top rate features that make the RAV4 the leader of the light 4WD, soft roader bracket.

Toyota has provided many RAV4 models. The Cruiser versions add a little more features and luxury. The Cruiser L is the luxury packed model. The CV6, SX6 and ZR6 models are all well endowed with luxury items, and they boast the very powerful 3.5 litre V6 petrol motor that pumps out 201 kW and a whopping 333 Nm of torque. The CV, Cruiser and Cruiser L models have the responsive 2.4 litre petrol engine which has a maximum power output of 125 kW and 224 Nm.

The CV model provides affordable comfort and performance. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. The RAV4 Cruiser provides quality & handling beyond its class. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. Along with the standard features, the Cruiser also contains some extra features such as: front fog lamps, 17" six-spoke alloy wheels, roof rails, overfender flares, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [Automatic transmission models only], Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and an electric moonroof (optional).

The Cruiser L is the model in the Toyota RAV4 range that provides the ultimate blend of versatility and quality. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. The Cruiser L also contains the standard RAV4 features while also containing the following: power driver's seat adjustment including lumbar support, and a heated driver and front-passenger seat. The CV6, SX6 and ZR6 not only boast the V6 engine, but they are all superbly equipped vehicles. Leather seats are available; so to is a Sat-Nav system and a premium sound system.


You will be comfortable in any Toyota RAV4 model. The seats provide good support for long journeys. The space inside the cabin is excellent, and there are lots of storage compartments throughout the cabin. To drive, the Toyota RAV4 is a very composed vehicle whatever the terrain. You will enjoy the solid feel, engine response and refinement - not to mention Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability.

The extremely well engineered Toyota RAV4 is just the right size to get the chores done around town. It remains rugged enough to have plenty of outdoor fun off the beaten track.


Head on down and take a look. The RAV4 should be on the top of your test drive lists.


Current model series include:

• Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 Cruiser L 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 CV 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 CV6
• Toyota RAV4 SX6
• Toyota RAV4 ZR6

For any more information on the Toyota Rav4, or for that matter any other new car, email: tagcars@live.com

Make Buying a Car Easy!

Our aim at TagCars is to turn what once was a major hassle and source of confusion for first time car buyers into a pleasurable experience that results in a highly satisfactory purchase. Thanks to our unique reviewing, you no longer need to trudge from dealer to dealer trying to haggle for the best possible car. Instead, once you tell us what you want, we get car dealers from across Kenya to compete for your business.

Due to our industry knowledge we're able to secure fleet discounts well beyond what the average new car buyer could achieve on their own. Not to mention, it saves you the time and aggravation spent trawling the car yards.  Here we have put together car reviews on each and every one of the car models available in Kenya. These car reviews will be regularly updated as new models become available.

We welcome any suggestions on how to improve and build on this resource. So, if you have decided on your next car or if you have any feedback regarding the reviews. Email us tagcars@live.com