Kenya's Motor Vehicle Import Regulations in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide for Importers, Buyers, and Industry Professionals

Importing a vehicle into Kenya remains one of the most popular ways for individuals, businesses, ride-share operators, and fleet managers to acquire reliable, cost-effective cars—especially in a market where new-vehicle prices often exceed KSh 5–10 million for popular SUVs and saloons. In 2026, the process is tightly regulated by three core authorities: the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for customs valuation and taxation, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for pre-shipment conformity and age/roadworthiness compliance, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for final registration and road-use approval.
The landscape shifted significantly at the start of 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, KEBS enforced a stricter interpretation of the long-standing eight-year age limit under KS 1515:2000 (Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles) and Legal Notice No. 78 of 2020. Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles whose year of first registration is January 1, 2019, or later are permitted for standard imports. Vehicles first registered in 2018 or earlier face automatic rejection at the port, with re-export costs borne by the importer.This rule—combined with the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) valuation system updated in mid-2025 (higher duties from July 2025 onward)—has reshaped the used-import market. Japanese auctions (the dominant source for Kenyan imports) now see intense competition for clean 2019–2022 models, while older stock floods regional markets like Uganda or Tanzania.This 3,000+ word guide breaks down every key regulation, calculation method, required document, step-by-step process, cost structure, exemptions, penalties, and practical tips for 2026—drawing directly from official KRA, KEBS, and NTSA notices, as well as industry clarifications from clearing agents and importers.1. Core Eligibility Rules in 2026 Age Restriction
Kenya enforces an eight-year age limit calculated from the year of first registration (not manufacture date in most interpretations for standard passenger vehicles).

• Effective January 1, 2026: Only vehicles first registered on or after January 1, 2019, qualify.
• Calculation example: A car first registered December 31, 2018 → ineligible in 2026 (over eight years from first registration to import year).
• Manufacture-year focus in some notices: Vehicles manufactured 2019 or later are safest; anything 2018 or older risks rejection even if registration was late.

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Mandate
Kenya is a right-hand traffic country. Only RHD vehicles are allowed for general registration.

• Left-Hand Drive (LHD) imports are prohibited for standard passenger cars, saloons, SUVs, and light commercials.
• Exceptions exist only for special-purpose vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, construction equipment) under strict KEBS waiver conditions: proof of customization, serviceability record, and no older than 20 years from manufacture.

Roadworthiness & Pre-Shipment Inspection
All imported vehicles must undergo Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspection in the country of export by a KEBS-approved agent (e.g., Quality Inspection Services Japan – QISJ for Japanese exports, or equivalent in UK, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa).

• The inspection issues a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) confirming compliance with KS 1515:2000 (mechanical condition, emissions, safety features).
• CoRs for 2018-registered vehicles expired December 31, 2025—invalid for 2026 arrivals.

Emission & Environmental Standards
Kenya aligns with Euro 4 or equivalent for most imports (stricter for new/local-assembly vehicles). Hybrids and EVs enjoy preferential excise rates but must still pass PVoC emissions checks.2. Step-by-Step Import Process in 2026 Step 1: Source & Purchase the Vehicle
Most Kenyan imports come from Japan (via BE FORWARD, SBT, CAR FROM JAPAN, etc.), UK, UAE, or South Africa.

• Verify: First registration date (export certificate/Auction sheet), manufacture year, RHD configuration, mileage <150,000 km preferred for resale value.
• Avoid: Any vehicle first registered before 2019 or LHD (unless special-purpose waiver pre-approved).

Step 2: Arrange Pre-Shipment Inspection (PVoC)
Book inspection with KEBS-approved agent in export country. Cost: ~USD 200–400 depending on location.

• Agent checks age, RHD, mechanicals, emissions, chassis number authenticity.
• Issues CoR if compliant.

Step 3: Shipping & Documentation
Common ports: Mombasa (main), Lamu (rare).

• Shipping methods: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cheapest; Container safer for high-value cars.
• Transit time: Japan → Mombasa 4–6 weeks; UK/UAE 3–5 weeks.

Required documents (originals + copies):

• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill
• Export Certificate / Auction Sheet / deregistration certificate
• Commercial/Purchase Invoice
• CoR / PVoC Certificate
• Passport copy & KRA PIN of importer
• Packing List (if container)

Step 4: Customs Clearance at KRA
Upon arrival, engage a licensed clearing agent (highly recommended—fees KSh 30,000–80,000).

• Submit documents via iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System).
• KRA assesses Customs Value using CRSP (not purchase price). CRSP is KRA's official used-vehicle valuation table, updated periodically (last major revision July 2025 with higher base values and USD:KSh exchange ~130).
• Pay duties/taxes (detailed below).
• Obtain Release Order after payment.

Step 5: Port Release & NTSA Registration

• Clear port charges (handling, storage if delayed).
• Transport vehicle to NTSA-approved inspection center for local roadworthiness test.
• Register: Apply for logbook, number plates (fees KSh 10,000–30,000 depending on class).
• Pay annual Vehicle License Fee and obtain yellow reflective number plates if commercial.

3. Detailed Duty & Tax Calculation (2026 Rates) KRA calculates taxes on Customs Value (derived from CRSP table, adjusted for age/depreciation). Key levies (post-July 2025 updates):

• Import Duty: 25–35% of Customs Value (higher for larger engines; hybrids/EVs preferential).
• Excise Duty: 20–35% of (Customs Value + Import Duty). Varies by engine cc, fuel type (petrol/diesel/hybrid/EV). EVs often 10%; hybrids reduced.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty).
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of Customs Value (up from 2% in some older schedules).
• Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5–2% of Customs Value.
• Other: Port handling (~KSh 20,000–50,000), NTSA fees, clearing agent.

Example (mid-2026 estimate for popular import – Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2020 model, 2000cc engine, CRSP ~KSh 4.5 million):

• Customs Value (CRSP): KSh 4,500,000
• Import Duty (35%): KSh 1,575,000
• Excise (20–25% hybrid rate): ~KSh 1,215,000
• VAT (16%): ~KSh 1,200,000+
• IDF + RDL: ~KSh 200,000–300,000
• Total landed taxes: KSh 4–5.5 million (plus shipping KSh 300,000–600,000).

Use online calculators (KRA iTax, dutycalc.co.ke, or agent tools) for precise quotes—CRSP values fluctuate.4. Exemptions & Special Cases

• Returning Residents / Diaspora: Duty-free if owned/used abroad ≥12 months, not older than 8 years, personal use only.
• Diplomats: Full exemption under Vienna Convention protocols.
• Persons with Disabilities: Modified vehicles may qualify for partial waiver.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): 10% excise (vs 20–35% petrol/diesel); incentives under National Electric Mobility Policy.
• Special-Purpose Vehicles: Waivers for ambulances/fire trucks up to 20 years old with proof.

5. Common Pitfalls & Penalties in 2026

• Age miscalculation → Rejection + re-export at importer cost (KSh 500,000+).
• Fake CoR or mismatched chassis → Seizure + fines.
• LHD passenger car → Automatic denial.
• Undeclared modifications → Additional duties/penalties.
• Storage fees at port after 30 days → Daily charges escalate quickly.

6. Practical Tips for 2026 Importers

• Use reputable Japanese exporters with Kenya-focused listings (filter 2019+ first reg).
• Always request auction sheet translation and verify registration date.
• Budget 40–60% extra on top of purchase price for full landed cost.
• Engage experienced clearing agent early (avoid "cheap" ones).
• Monitor KRA/KEBS notices—rules can change mid-year.
• For hybrids/EVs: Factor in battery health report (critical for resale).

Kenya's 2026 import regulations balance road safety, environmental protection, revenue collection, and support for local assembly ambitions (e.g., via the stalled National Automotive Industry Development Bill). The tightened 2019+ first-registration rule has squeezed supply of affordable used SUVs/saloons, pushing average landed prices higher—but it also ensures newer, safer, more efficient vehicles enter the fleet.Whether you're importing your first family car, stocking a ride-share fleet, or dealing in used imports, compliance is non-negotiable in 2026. Verify every date, document, and calculation upfront—mistakes are expensive. With the right preparation, importing remains a smart path to mobility in Kenya's dynamic market.