Import Cars from Japan & the UK to Kenya

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from Japan and the UK directly to Kenya. Whether you need a brand-new luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our Car Export Service for Kenya – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across Japan and UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications.

Japan and UK cars offer excellent value with transparency on pricing, availability, and condition. We source from multiple networks to find you the best value, whether you're looking for prestige brands or reliable everyday vehicles.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

• QISJ pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection (for Japanese vehicles)
• Mileage verification and condition reports
• Auction sheets and documentation review
• Full mechanical inspection
• MOT checks for UK cars

Car Shipping to Kenya

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed Japan/UK to Kenya car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Kenya import requirements. Our service includes complete shipping booking management, secure inland transport to departure ports, and reliable shipping to Kenya.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Kenya. We parcel all required documents to your address or the clearing agent's.

Japan & UK to Kenya Car Import – What You Need to Know

Kenya Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Kenya permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from Japan, the UK, Thailand and other countries. However, strict age and condition requirements apply.

Kenya has specific regulations governing vehicle imports designed to ensure only roadworthy vehicles enter the country and to maintain road safety standards. All imported vehicles must comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements and undergo QISJ inspection before export.

Key Requirements:

1. Age restriction: Maximum 8 years old from year of first registration (e.g 2019 onwards in 2026). Age is from first registration date, not purchase date
2. Right-hand drive: All vehicles must be right-hand drive
3. QISJ inspection: Mandatory pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection
4. KEBS compliance: Must meet Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements
5. Tax compliance: Import duty, excise duty, VAT, IDF, and RDL payable

Documents Required for Kenya Car Import

Essential Import Documents:

• Original Commercial Invoice
• Original Logbook from country of exportation (UK V5C or Japanese equivalent- must be cancelled)
• Original Bill of Lading
• QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (roadworthiness)
• Original Passport or National ID
• KRA PIN Certificate copy
• Proof of payment (bank statements/remittance slips)

For Customs Clearance:

• Original cancelled logbook from the country of origin
• Original commercial invoice
• Original Bill of Lading
• QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
• KRA PIN (Tax Compliance Certificate)
• National ID or Passport
• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)

For NTSA Registration:

• Original cancelled logbook/V5C
• QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
• Import release document from Customs
• KRA PIN Certificate
• Proof of payment of all duties and taxes

For Exemption Categories:

• Additional documents depend on category (PWD, returning resident, diplomat, etc.)

Kenya Car Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty:

• Rate: 25% of customs value
• Exceptions:
  • Ambulances and hearses: 0%
  • Some exemption categories (PWD, returning residents, diplomats)

Excise Duty (varies by vehicle fuel type and engine capacity from 10% fully electric cars to 35%)

Value Added Tax (VAT):

• Rate: 16% of (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)

Import Declaration Fee (IDF):

• Rate: 3.5% of customs value

Railway Development Levy (RDL):

• Rate: 2% of customs value

Customs Value Calculation:

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) uses Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) tables:

1. CRSP: KRA-provided retail selling price for your vehicle
2. Customs Value: CRSP with depreciation applied
3. Import Duty: 25% of customs value
4. Excise Duty: Applied based on engine type/capacity
5. VAT: 16% of (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
6. IDF: 3.5% of customs value
7. RDL: 2% of customs value

Important Note on CRSP:

• KRA regularly updates CRSP tables for new models (electric and hybrid variants)
• Ambiguity can exist on the CRSP line for prestige cars, new models, or new engine variants
• Always confirm CRSP value with the clearing agent BEFORE purchasing a vehicle
• High-end or new model vehicles may incur higher duties than expected

Tax Exemptions & Special Categories

Kenya provides duty exemptions for specific categories of importers under defined conditions. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who are duly registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) may import one vehicle for personal use with exemption from Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT and IDF, although the Railway Development Levy (RDL) remains payable; applications require medical certification, recommendations from recognised disability bodies, and approval through KRA Customs.

Returning residents, Kenyan citizens relocating permanently, may also qualify for exemption from import duty, excise duty, VAT and IDF if they owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least 12 months and meet age and right-hand-drive requirements, with RDL and port charges still applicable. Diplomats, UN agencies and qualifying first arrivals posted to Kenya for two or more years may receive full exemption from all major duties and levies, subject to authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In all categories, strict eligibility rules apply, and if the vehicle is later sold or transferred, previously exempted taxes may become payable.

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Kenya begins with arranging a mandatory pre-shipment inspection through an approved body such as QISJ in Japan or a KEBS-appointed inspector in the UK, after which the vehicle is shipped to Kenya by RoRo, container, or airfreight. When the vehicle arrives at the Kenyan port, it is stored at a Container Freight Station (CFS) while port charges are assessed and a licensed clearing agent lodges the customs entry with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

KRA verifies the vehicle’s customs value (CRSP), calculates applicable import duty, excise duty, VAT and other levies, and may conduct a physical inspection before issuing a duty assessment. Once all taxes, port charges and agent fees are paid, KRA releases the vehicle from customs. The final step is registration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), where the vehicle is registered, and a Kenyan logbook and number plates are issued.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Kenya car import regulations, procedures, and tax calculations, consult these official sources:

Kenya Government Agencies:

• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) – Import duties, tax rates, exemptions, CRSP tables
• Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) – Vehicle import standards and requirements
• National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) – Vehicle registration and logbook
• Quality Institute of Safety and Security in Japan (QISJ) – Pre-shipment inspection

Ready to Import Your Car from Japan & the UK to Kenya?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality new and used vehicles directly from Japan and the UK to Kenya via Nairobi. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about car importation to Kenya.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle Kenya's import regulations and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and legally registered.