How to Import a Vehicle into Kenya

Importing a vehicle into Kenya can be a complex process, but it can be done with the right planning and preparation. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Choose a vehicle. When choosing a vehicle to import, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the vehicle must meet the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements for safety and emissions. Second, the vehicle must be right-hand drive, as Kenya drives on the left side of the road. Third, the vehicle must be less than 8 years old if it has a 1500cc engine or less, and less than 5 years old if it has a larger engine.
2. Find a reputable dealer. Once you have chosen a vehicle, you will need to find a reputable dealer who can help you import it. There are many dealers who specialize in importing vehicles into Kenya, so it is important to do your research and find one that has a good reputation.
3. Get the necessary paperwork. Before you can import a vehicle into Kenya, you will need to get the following paperwork:
• A bill of sale
• A clean title
• An import permit
• A Kenyan registration certificate
4. Pay the necessary fees. In addition to the paperwork, you will also need to pay the following fees when importing a vehicle into Kenya:
• Import duty
• Excise duty
• VAT
• IDF
• Railways Development Levy
5. Have the vehicle inspected. Once you have paid the necessary fees and have the necessary paperwork, you will need to have the vehicle inspected by a KEBS-approved inspector. The inspector will check the vehicle to make sure it meets all of the KEBS requirements.
6. Clear customs. Once the vehicle has been inspected, you will need to clear it through customs. This process can take a few days, so it is important to factor this into your timeline.
7. Register the vehicle. Once the vehicle has cleared customs, you will need to register it with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This process can also take a few days, so it is important to factor this into your timeline.

Importing a vehicle into Kenya can be a complex process, but it can be done with the right planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your vehicle is imported legally and efficiently.

Here are some additional tips for importing a vehicle into Kenya:

• Get quotes from multiple dealers before making a purchase.
• Make sure the dealer you choose is reputable and has a good track record of importing vehicles into Kenya.
• Be prepared to pay a premium for imported vehicles.
• Allow plenty of time for the import process. It can take several weeks or even months to import a vehicle into Kenya.
• Be sure to have all of the necessary paperwork in order before you start the import process.
• Hire a customs agent to help you with the import process. This can save you time and money.
• Be patient and persistent. The import process can be frustrating at times, but it is important to stay patient and persistent.