Complete Guide to Importing a Car to Kenya in 2026
Everything you need to know about importing a used vehicle to Kenya — from choosing a source country to NTSA registration.
Importing a used vehicle to Kenya involves multiple steps across different agencies. This guide walks you through the entire process.
Step 1: Choose Your Source Country
Kenya imports vehicles primarily from Japan (60%), UK (20%), Australia (10%), and UAE (10%). Each country has different inspection standards and documentation.
Step 2: Verify the Vehicle History
Before committing to a purchase, always verify the vehicle's history. This includes checking for outstanding finance, theft records, write-off status, odometer integrity, and recall history.
Step 3: KEBS Inspection
All imported vehicles must pass a KEBS pre-shipment inspection in the source country. This verifies the vehicle meets Kenyan standards including age limits (max 8 years old) and emission standards.
Step 4: Shipping and Customs
Once purchased and inspected, the vehicle is shipped to Mombasa port. KRA customs clearance involves paying import duty (25%), excise duty (20%), and VAT (16%).
Step 5: NTSA Registration
Finally, register the vehicle with NTSA. This is where a VINsight certificate helps — it provides documented proof of the vehicle's overseas history.