Kenya

When importing a vehicle into Kenya, there are important regulations to keep in mind. The vehicle must meet the Kenya Bureau of Standards Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles. The three major criteria for acceptance are: Age Limit (vehicles more than eight years old are not allowed), Left Hand Drive (only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed unless for a special purpose), and Road Worthiness (all imported used vehicles must be inspected for roadworthiness, safety, and other requirements).

When importing a car into Kenya, duties and taxes include an import duty at 25% of CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), an excise duty at 20% of the customs value plus import duty, and VAT at 16% of the customs value, import duty, and excise duty, all payable cumulatively. An Import Declaration Fee (IDF) of 2.25% of the CIF is also charged.

To clear the vehicle through Kenya Customs, the importer must contract a licensed clearing agent to process their declaration in the Simba 2005 system, pay the required duties and taxes, and present all relevant documentation for Customs approval.

Documents Required for Importation: Original Commercial Invoice, Original Bill of Lading, Import Declaration Form obtained from Customs, Authentic Original Logbook from the country of origin.

The car industry in Kenya primarily involves the retail and distribution of motor vehicles. The most established dealers include Toyota, Cooper Motor Corporation, General Motors, Simba Colt, and DT Dobie. Toyota holds the largest market share at 15.7%. In 2014, new and used car sales saw a significant 23% increase in the first six months. Second-hand car dealers account for about 80% of total vehicle sales in the country.

Aero Marine Capital: 4th Flr, Harbour House, Moi Ave, Oppst Jubilee Ins Bldg, Mombasa. Tel: +254 722 367 091, +254 733 405 760, +254 752 896 894. Website: www.aeromarine.co.ke.

If this is your first time importing a car into Kenya, some companies offer services to assist with paperwork, payment, and vehicle delivery. Their services include freight forwarding, customs clearance, consultation, import/export documentation, transport, car importation & clearance, warehousing, cargo transshipment, and shipping.

A comprehensive list of all the accepted clearing agents in Mombasa and Nairobi can be found at: http://www.eaotransport.com/clearing.php?country=Kenya.

Mombasa is the principal international seaport in Kenya, including Kilindini Harbour, Port Reitz, the Old Port, and Port Tudor. Kilindini is the main harbour with 16 deep-water berths, two oil terminals, and safe anchorages. The Port of Mombasa serves not just Kenya but also the Eastern African hinterland countries and provides connectivity to over 80 ports worldwide. It is managed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).