
Car Shipping Nairobi
Nairobi is the largest city and capital of Kenya. It is well known for the Nairobi National Park, the only game reserve in a major city in the world. Nairobi County is made up of the city of Nairobi and neighboring cities.
Kenya has many cities, but Nairobi is the most prominent one. It is a place where thousands of businesses and over 100 major organizations and companies are located. You can also see the United Nations, which is the center of the United Nations Environment Program.
Moving to Nairobi can be exciting. You will want to enjoy all the local attractions and get around when you want to, providing your transportation. You must follow the rules and regulations of transporting vehicles to Nairobi so you are not delayed and can drive as soon as you have your vehicle. A1 Auto Transport service can help you get your vehicle from the United States to Nairobi as quickly as possible and follow all the rules and regulations.
Inland Transport: Mombasa to Nairobi
Once your vehicle arrives at the Port of Mombasa, it needs to be transported inland to Nairobi. Driving the car yourself can be time-consuming and may expose the vehicle to unnecessary wear and tear. Professional car hauliers offer a safer and more efficient alternative, transporting your vehicle on specialized carriers. This service not only saves time but also ensures your car arrives in Nairobi without added mileage or potential road hazards.
Cost & Time Examples For Shifting Your Vehicle
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to City Limits | $200 | $5300 | 5+50 days |
Los Angeles to (California port) to Nairobi | $350 | $4500 | 5+41 days |
Local Area to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $5300 | 6+50 days |
Nairobi to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $5300 | 6+50 days |
Columbus, OH to (New York port) to Local Delivery | $550 | $5300 | 5+50 days |
Nairobi to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $4500 | 6+41 days |
City Limits to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $4500 | 6+41 days |
Denver, CO to (California port) to Nairobi | $775 | $5300 | 7+50 days |
Local Area to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $800 | $4500 | 6+41 days |
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Local Delivery | $1,075 | $4500 | 7+41 days |
*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 transport 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.
Understanding Import Regulations
Kenya has specific regulations for vehicle imports to ensure safety and environmental standards. Vehicles must be right-hand drive and not older than eight years from the year of manufacture. Additionally, all vehicles require a pre-shipment inspection by authorized agencies to verify roadworthiness. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or denial of entry at the port.
Navigating Customs and Fees
Importing a car into Kenya involves several fees, including import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and the Import Declaration Fee (IDF). These charges are calculated based on the vehicle's customs value, including the car's cost, insurance, and freight. Budgeting for these expenses is crucial to avoid unexpected costs upon arrival.

Requirements for Importing Your Vehicle
KRA, or Kenya Revenue Authority, uses retail/selling prices and clearing and forwarding agents to assist in determining the duty charges. The vehicle's model is not always the same year the car was registered. The duty will be calculated using the time the vehicle was registered. According to the Kenya Bureau of Standards, you cannot import a vehicle that is eight years old or older.
Engine capacity will help to determine customs. The larger the engine is, the higher the duty you will pay. Excise duty is also determined. If the vehicle is less than three years old, you are charged nearly Ksh 150,000. If a car is more than three years old, it is charged Ksh 200,000. The Value Added Tax, or VAT, is also added to the duty. This tax is at 16%. You will be responsible for getting your vehicle licensed before importing it to Kenya. The Import Declaration fee is usually charged at 25% of the CIF value. This charge is not associated with customs duties.
Tax exemptions for returning citizens
If you return to Kenya after being abroad, you can bring back one vehicle for free. This does not include a bus or a minibus. The following rules will apply:
- The car must not be more than eight years old.
- Must be at least eighteen years old.
- Must not have obtained permission from the exemption before.
- Must have been living outside of Kenya for at least two years.
- They must return with their vehicle, which they have owned for at least twelve months.
When preparing for shipment, you will need to have the following documents with you:
- Proof of residency in the country.
- Proof of auto insurance.
- Invoice for duties that have been paid.
- License.
- Passport.
- Title of the vehicle.
- Registration of the car.

Hauling Methods
There are two different methods of importing a vehicle to Kenya. You can select either the roll-roll-off method or container shipping. The most cost-effective method is the Roll-on/roll-off method. At the time of transport, you will only be allowed to have floor mats, a car jack, and a spare tire in your vehicle.
The container shifting is more expensive, but you can also share the container with another person who may be importing items. You will have a choice between two container sizes: 20 and 40 feet. Upon arrival, you will need to make a list of items in your container to give to Kenya customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the vehicle import restrictions for shipping a car to Nairobi, Kenya?
Kenya enforces strict import regulations: vehicles must be right-hand drive, not older than 8 years from the year of first registration, and must pass a roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent before shipment. Left-hand drive vehicles and those exceeding the age limit are prohibited and may be denied entry at the port.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the U.S. to Nairobi?
Shipping costs vary based on factors like the vehicle's size, shipping method, and departure port. On average, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) services range from $2,300 to $4,200. Additional expenses include import duties, taxes, and inland transport from Mombasa to Nairobi.
How long does it take to ship a car to Nairobi?
The transit time for shipping a car to Nairobi typically ranges from 28 to 45 days. This includes sea transport to the port of Mombasa and subsequent inland delivery to Nairobi. Delays may occur due to customs clearance and logistical factors.
Can I ship a non-running car to Nairobi?
Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped to Nairobi, but they require special handling. Shipping companies use equipment like winches or cranes to load and unload such vehicles, which may incur additional fees. It's essential to inform the transporter about the vehicle's condition in advance.