01 — Key details
Destination port
Mombasa
Transit time
28–35 days
Local currency
KES
Available methods
RoRo, Container
How it works
We source and sell your vehicle to you
Full inspection, export documentation and DVLA notification
Vehicle shipped from UK port to Mombasa
You receive all documents and updates throughout
Arrival and delivery follow your agreed purchase terms
03 — Local import rules
What you need to know about importing to Kenya.
Kenya has some of the strictest vehicle age limits in Africa — a maximum of 8 years from manufacture, with vehicles required to be 2018 model year or newer as of January 2026. A mandatory KEBS pre-shipment inspection must be completed in the UK before loading.
Right-hand drive
Yes — required (LHD vehicles permitted only for specialist use such as ambulances and fire tenders)
Maximum vehicle age
8 years from year of manufacture; from January 2026, vehicles must be 2018 model year or newer
Required documentation
- Import Declaration Form (IDF) via Kenya TradeNet
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading (original)
- Logbook from origin country
- KEBS pre-shipment inspection certificate
- Certificate of roadworthiness
- Licensed clearing agent declaration
Customs duty
25% of CIF value
VAT / local tax
16% VAT + 20–25% excise duty (by engine size: 20% up to 1,500cc; 25% above) + 3.5% Import Declaration Fee + 2% Railway Development Levy
Registration cost
KES 13,000 (registration) + KES 800 (NTSA sticker) + KES 3,050 (digital number plates); mandatory post-import inspection KES 1,000–2,000
Roadworthiness inspection
Yes — KEBS-approved pre-shipment inspection in the UK is mandatory before loading (cost approx. USD 150–250); post-import NTSA roadworthiness inspection required before registration
Notable restrictions
8-year age limit (from 2026: 2018 model year minimum). Euro IV emission standard mandatory. Additional port fees approx. KES 120,000–150,000 total (port charges, SGR, Interpol, verification). Buses, minibuses and trucks ≥3.5 tonnes may not be imported used.
Port clearance time
3–5 working days with complete and correct documentation
Buyer note
Book the KEBS pre-shipment inspection in the UK before loading — the inspection certificate must travel with the vehicle and is non-negotiable for port clearance.
Sources
Information last researched 13 May 2026. Import regulations and duty rates change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the destination country's customs authority before shipment. We confirm requirements for vehicles purchased from Damianos Auto Exports.
04 — Ready to begin
Find your car for Kenya.
Tell us the car you want to buy and your budget. We sell the vehicle to you and arrange its export and delivery.
Request a vehicle