Frequently Asked Questions

The process for importing a car involves several steps:

1. Research and identify the vehicle you want to import
2. Verify compliance with local regulations and standards
3. Purchase the vehicle and obtain necessary documentation
4. Arrange pre-shipment inspection
5. Ship the vehicle to your destination
6. Clear customs and pay applicable duties and taxes
7. Register the vehicle with local authorities (NTSA)
8. Obtain local insurance

Our team can guide you through each step of this process.

The timeline varies depending on the source country, shipping method, and customs processing:

• From Japan/Asia: 4-6 weeks
• From Europe: 4-8 weeks
• From USA/Canada: 6-10 weeks

This includes shipping time, customs clearance, and local registration. Delays can occur due to documentation issues, inspections, or seasonal factors.

No, there are restrictions on what vehicles can be imported. The key requirements are:

• The vehicle must be right-hand drive
• The vehicle must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration
• The vehicle must pass roadworthiness inspections
• The vehicle must comply with environmental standards

Some specialty or collector vehicles may be eligible for exemptions under specific conditions.

The total cost includes several components:

Use our cost calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific vehicle.

Yes, certain exemptions may apply in specific circumstances:

• Returning residents: Kenyans returning from abroad after staying overseas for a continuous period of at least two years may be eligible for a duty exemption on one vehicle
• Diplomats: Foreign diplomatic missions and their staff may qualify for duty exemptions
• Electric vehicles: Enjoy reduced duty rates (10% instead of 25% for standard vehicles)
• Special purpose vehicles: Some specialized vehicles like ambulances may qualify for exemptions

Each exemption has specific requirements and documentation needs. Our team can help determine if you qualify for any exemptions.

The 8-year rule states that vehicles imported into Kenya must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration. Here's how it's calculated:

• The age is calculated from the year of first registration, not the manufacturing date
• For example, if you're importing in 2025, the vehicle must have been first registered in 2018 or later
• The date of clearing customs is what matters, not when you purchased the vehicle

Vehicles exceeding this age limit will not be permitted entry, so it's crucial to verify the first registration date before purchasing.

Kenya, like many former British colonies, follows left-hand traffic rules (driving on the left side of the road). Right-hand drive vehicles are designed for left-hand traffic systems, ensuring the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle.

This requirement exists for several reasons:

• Safety: Proper driver positioning for visibility in traffic
• Consistency: Maintaining uniform driving conditions on Kenyan roads
• Legal compliance: It's a mandatory requirement under Kenyan law

Left-hand drive vehicles (designed for right-side driving countries like the USA) are not permitted for general import, with very limited exceptions for specialized vehicles or diplomatic use.

There are two primary shipping methods for importing vehicles:

We can advise on the best shipping method based on your specific vehicle and requirements.

In the unlikely event that your vehicle is damaged during shipping:

1. Documentation: The damage should be documented immediately upon inspection at the port
2. Insurance claim: If you purchased shipping insurance (highly recommended), you can file a claim with the insurance provider
3. Shipping company liability: The shipping company may be liable for certain types of damage under their terms of service
4. Assessment: An independent assessor may need to evaluate the damage to determine compensation

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive marine insurance for your vehicle import to protect against potential damages. Standard insurance typically covers 110% of the CIF value to account for additional expenses.