Import Cars to Kenya | Best Car Importers in Kenya

Q: How much does it cost to import a car to Kenya?

As of September 30, 2026, Japan-to-Mombasa RoRo freight for a standard running car is about $900-$1,300, before Kenyan taxes, clearance, and inland delivery. The landed total then depends on the specific vehicle's KRA customs value and tax profile, so one all-in figure does not fit every make and model. For the transport side, A1's international car shipping cost calculator can help you budget freight before customs. KRA's published valuation schedule and the applicable duty, excise, VAT, IDF, and RDL determine the import charges after that.

Q: How long does shipping a car to Kenya take?

Japan-to-Mombasa RoRo shipping commonly takes 4-6 weeks port-to-port, while eligible U.S.-to-Mombasa container shipments generally need about 5-7 weeks on the ocean leg. These clocks start after loading, not when you buy or book the car. KEBS inspection, export paperwork, vessel scheduling, and Kenyan customs release sit outside the pure sailing time. Japan has regular RoRo service to Mombasa, while U.S. container routes may use transshipment, so the total door-to-release timeline is longer than the ocean figure.

Q: What is Kenya's 8-year rule for imported cars?

Kenya's 8-year rule is based on the vehicle's year of first registration, and for 2026 arrivals the eligible cutoff is January 1, 2019 or later. A vehicle first registered in 2018 or earlier does not meet the age rule for a 2026 arrival, even if it was purchased earlier. Standard passenger-car imports must also be right-hand drive. Check the original registration or export record before purchase, especially for year-end sailings that could arrive after January 1.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Sep, 29 2026

Import Cars to Kenya | Best Car Importers in Kenya

Ship Your Automobile To Kenya

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Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Cost & Time For Delivery

Shipping a car from the US to Kenya via container costs $4,000–$7,200, with East Coast routes to Mombasa averaging $6,100–$6,300 in combined ground and ocean freight.
Most US-to-Kenya shipments take 25–45 days port-to-port; allow an additional 10 days for document processing before the Port of Mombasa releases the vehicle.
Kenya Revenue Authority enforces a strict 8-year vehicle age limit, 25% import duty, and 16% VAT; imported vehicles must also be right-hand drive and KEBS-compliant.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
San Jose, CA to Mombasa	$200	$3,400	5+48
Boston, MA to The Area	$410	$5,700	5+34
City Limits to Las Vegas, NV	$460	$3,400	5+48
Phoenix, AZ to Mombasa	$560	$3,400	6+48
Columbus, OH to Local Area	$550	$5,700	5+34
The Area to Charlotte, NC	$575	$5,700	6+34
Chicago, IL to City Limits	$675	$5,700	6+34
Atlanta, GA, to Mombasa	$700	$5,700	6+34
Local Delivery to Denver, CO	$775	$3,400	7+48
Dallas, TX, to Mombasa	$1,025	$3,400	7+48

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to relocate a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Relocating a personal vehicle is a bright idea if permanent residency or an extended stay is in the works. Kenya has an extensive roadway network. Roads are paved and unpaved, but one can get to anywhere they need to go with a personal vehicle.

There are many different types of roads. It is imperative to know the difference while traveling the country. Here are some of the streets that will be present:

National Trunk Roads
International Trunk Roads
Primary Roads
Secondary Roads
Minor Roads
Special Purpose Roads
Unclassified Roads

Knowledge of these roads will help a foreigner travel more efficiently. It can be tricky to navigate if coming there from the U.S. or another country.

Popular Delivery Destinations

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Required Documents

Title and Registration
Proof of Purchase
License/Picture ID and Passport
Invoice for Duties Paid
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Residency in Kenya
Work permit
PIN certificate
Declaration form
Certificate of conformity

Ensure the vehicle's owner is present on the day of the vehicle's due arrival. The car may be shipped to one of three ports located on the border of Kenya: the Port of Lamu, the Port of Malindi, or the Port of Mombasa.

Methods of Vehicle Hauling

RO/RO shipping and container shipping are practical and straightforward ways of shipping a vehicle internationally. While both vary greatly, they are the easiest and sometimes the only way to ship a car to another country.

RO/RO shipping isn't accepted at all ports, but it is the cheapest way to ship an automobile. The vehicle must remain empty, except for a car jack, spare tire, and floor mats. The vehicle must also be able to drive onto and off the ship.
Container shipping is a little pricier but can be split with another individual if sharing the container chosen. There are several container sizes, depending on how much is being shipped with the vehicle. The vehicle can be filled with property and the remaining space in the container. Just ensure that the property shipped with the car is acceptable to Kenya Customs.

Transportation Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo

Call upon the help of professional transporters with international shipping experience and an excellent reputation to deliver your heavy equipment or oversized cargo. For instance, at A1 Auto Transport, we have access to all the best, highest quality tools and equipment and the latest shipping technologies. With our history of networking and decades of experience in the shipping industry, we know we can ship nearly any type of cargo. We even offer insurance coverage to every one of our customers to provide them with more comfort during the process.

There are all types of heavy equipment and oversized cargo. From mining equipment to industrial equipment, we’ve delivered it all. Here are some examples of machinery, equipment, and oversized cargo that we can provide you in Kenya.

Bulldozers
Combines
Forklifts
Harvesters
Pontoon Boats
Yachts
RVs
Motorhomes
Agricultural Equipment
Cranes
Log Loaders
Pneumatic Rollers
Skid Steer Loaders
Skidder
Asphalt Pavers
Excavators
Backhoes
Boom Lifts
Crawler Loaders
Farm Equipment
Heavy Trucks
Industrial Plant Equipment
Motor Graders
Mowers
Scissor Lifts
Trenchers and more…

Transporting goods across international borders requires meticulous preparation. It's a relief to know that our reps can handle import policies and assist you in gathering evidence. You'll need to give Customs a variety of documents, including the title and registration for your car or equipment, your license/picture ID, and your passport, as well as an invoice for duties paid, proof of insurance, and proof of residency in Kenya.

What is the Process of Importing a Car in Kenya?

Importing a car to Kenya requires compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) regulations. The vehicle must be right-hand drive and not older than 8 years from the date of manufacture. Import duties include a 25% import duty, excise duty (varies by engine capacity), and 16% VAT, which can be calculated using an auto Kenya duty calculator.

Shipping options include sea freight from Japan, the UK, Dubai, or the USA to Mombasa, with companies like Ascope Shipping offering reliable services. Upon arrival, clearing agents handle customs clearance before registering the car with NTSA and assigning Kenyan number plates. Using trusted car importers in Kenya ensures a smooth process while staying compliant with Kenya car import regulations.

International Moving Methods

The transport methods and moving services you can use will depend on what cargo you need to ship. There are typically four methods of transport offered to our international transport customers. What we have to offer in shipping services includes…

Flat Rack Shipping- an open-air service that provides safeguarding by using a metal frame to protect the cargo.
Container Shipping- an enclosed transport method that provides the ultimate security from outside elements.
RoRo Shipping- the cheapest open-air method for those with motorized equipment and vehicles.
LoLo Shipping- an open-air service that uses a crane to lift inoperable vehicles and crated equipment onto the ship.

a flatbed truck is being loaded with two suv

Relevant Statistics

Over 12,000 cars are shipped from various countries each year.
Approximately 90% of the cars imported are used vehicles.
The port of Mombasa handles about 80% of all car shipments entering Kenya.
On average, it takes around 30 days for a car to be shipped from Europe to Kenya.
The import duty on cars is set at 25%, making it an attractive destination for car imports.

General Facts

Moving a car typically involves using freight services and cargo ships.
Specific documentation is required, including the vehicle's title, bill of lading, and proof of ownership.
Import duties and taxes are imposed on cars being shipped, and these fees vary based on factors such as the car's value and age.
Working with a reputable freight company or agent familiar with the regulations and procedures for shipping cars is recommended.

Related Information & FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a car to Kenya from the USA?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to import a car to Kenya?

As of September 30, 2026, Japan-to-Mombasa RoRo freight for a standard running car is about $900-$1,300, before Kenyan taxes, clearance, and inland delivery. The landed total then depends on the specific vehicle's KRA customs value and tax profile, so one all-in figure does not fit every make and model. For the transport side, A1's international car shipping cost calculator can help you budget freight before customs. KRA's published valuation schedule and the applicable duty, excise, VAT, IDF, and RDL determine the import charges after that.

How long does shipping a car to Kenya take?

Japan-to-Mombasa RoRo shipping commonly takes 4-6 weeks port-to-port, while eligible U.S.-to-Mombasa container shipments generally need about 5-7 weeks on the ocean leg. These clocks start after loading, not when you buy or book the car. KEBS inspection, export paperwork, vessel scheduling, and Kenyan customs release sit outside the pure sailing time. Japan has regular RoRo service to Mombasa, while U.S. container routes may use transshipment, so the total door-to-release timeline is longer than the ocean figure.

What is Kenya's 8-year rule for imported cars?

Kenya's 8-year rule is based on the vehicle's year of first registration, and for 2026 arrivals the eligible cutoff is January 1, 2019 or later. A vehicle first registered in 2018 or earlier does not meet the age rule for a 2026 arrival, even if it was purchased earlier. Standard passenger-car imports must also be right-hand drive. Check the original registration or export record before purchase, especially for year-end sailings that could arrive after January 1.

What documents and inspection are required to import a car to Kenya?

Kenya vehicle clearance requires ownership, shipping, taxpayer, origin, and KEBS conformity documents before Customs can release a used car. In practice, prepare the original commercial invoice, cancelled foreign logbook, original bill of lading, KRA PIN, Certificate of Origin, and the required roadworthiness certificate or inspection record. For Japan-origin used cars, KEBS lists QISJ inspection centers for pre-export checks. Since September 1, 2026, KRA also requires an export declaration, export entry, customs export certificate, or equivalent export record; A1's international car shipping document guide covers the carrier-side paperwork.

How does KRA calculate import duty on a car in Kenya?

KRA determines a used vehicle's customs value with its published motor-vehicle valuation tools, including the current CRSP schedule, then applies the rates for that vehicle's tariff and excise category. Under the June 30, 2026 EAC Gazette measure, motor vehicles under headings 8702, 8703, and 8704 currently carry 35% import duty in Kenya for one year. Standard charges also include 16% VAT, 2.5% IDF, and 1.5% RDL, plus vehicle-specific excise duty. Use the current vehicle details rather than applying one percentage to the purchase price.

Can you import a car from the United States or Japan into Kenya?

Cars can be imported to Kenya from either the United States or Japan, but the vehicle itself must satisfy Kenya's eligibility rules regardless of purchase country. Japan-origin used cars can use KEBS-listed QISJ inspection centers before export. A standard left-hand-drive U.S. passenger car does not meet Kenya's ordinary right-hand-drive requirement, so confirm vehicle configuration before paying for freight. For a compliant vehicle, A1's international car shipping service can handle the overseas transport leg to Kenya.