Importing a car into Kenya is an exciting venture, but before you can take it on the road, you’ll need to complete the legal registration process. Although it might seem complex, breaking it down into simple steps will make it much easier. In this guide, you will learn how to register an imported car in Kenya smoothly and efficiently.
1. Verify Vehicle Eligibility
First and foremost, you need to ensure that your vehicle meets the requirements for importation and registration. Kenyan law imposes certain conditions that must be met. For example:
- Age Limit: The vehicle must be less than eight years old from the date of manufacture.
- Roadworthiness: You must ensure that the car has passed roadworthiness inspections, typically carried out by organizations like the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) or Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ).
By checking this early, you will avoid wasting time and running into issues later in the process.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity
Next, one important step in how to register an imported car in Kenya is obtaining a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This document proves that your vehicle complies with Kenya’s safety, emission, and road-worthiness standards. Typically, the inspection agency provides the CoC before your car is shipped to Kenya. Without this document, you won’t be able to proceed with registration.
3. Pay Import Duties and Taxes
Once your vehicle has arrived in Kenya, the next step is to clear all the necessary taxes and import duties. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires the following payments:
- Import Duty: 25% of the customs value of the vehicle.
- Excise Duty: This can range from 25% to 30%, depending on the engine capacity.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the customs value, including import and excise duties.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5% of the customs value.
At this stage, it’s a good idea to use the KRA online tax calculator to estimate your total fees. Once the payments are made, you can move on to the next phase without unnecessary delays.
4. Apply for a KRA PIN
Before you can officially register your car, you must have a Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number (KRA PIN). If you don’t already have one, you can apply for it easily through the iTax portal. You’ll need this PIN for various transactions, including the vehicle registration itself.
5. Register Your Car with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
After clearing the taxes, the next crucial step is to register
your car with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Here’s how you can do it:
- Log in to the NTSA TIMS Portal: If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one using your KRA PIN.
- Initiate the Registration Process: Once logged in, select “Vehicle Registration” and provide the necessary information about your car, including import documents like the Bill of Lading and Import Declaration Form (IDF).
- Upload Required Documents: You’ll need to upload documents such as the Certificate of Conformity, IDF, and proof of tax payments.
- Pay the Registration Fee: The registration fee depends on the engine capacity of the vehicle, so ensure you have the correct amount ready.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you can expect the registration to take two to three weeks. However, if there are missing documents or additional information required, delays may occur. Double-checking everything beforehand will help avoid setbacks.
6. Track Registration Progress
Fortunately, NTSA allows you to track the progress of your vehicle’s registration through their TIMS portal. After submitting your application, log in to the portal regularly to check for updates. This will keep you informed on any steps you may have missed or additional actions you need to take. This feature makes the entire process smoother and more transparent, so you can stay on top of things.
7. Obtain Insurance
Meanwhile, you’ll need to get motor insurance for your vehicle. In Kenya, third-party insurance is mandatory, but you may also opt for comprehensive coverage to protect your car more fully. Remember, you cannot drive your vehicle without valid insurance, so securing coverage before registration is complete will save you time.
8. Collect Your Number Plates and Logbook
Once your vehicle registration is approved, you will receive your car’s number plates. Additionally, the NTSA will issue a logbook, which serves as the official proof of ownership. Typically, the logbook is ready for collection within four weeks of completing the registration. Keep in mind that having the logbook is crucial, as it confirms your ownership and will be needed for any future transactions, such as selling the car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to register an imported car in Kenya can save you both time and hassle. By verifying eligibility, paying import duties, and registering with NTSA, you’ll be following the proper steps to get your car on the road legally. The entire process should take around two to four weeks, depending on the accuracy of your documents and whether all taxes are paid on time. With the ability to track the registration progress online, you’ll stay informed and ensure everything goes smoothly. Follow these steps, and you’ll be driving your imported car through Kenyan streets without a hitch!