Cost to import a car from Japan to Kenya

Rates & rules last reviewed

Kenya is one of East Africa's biggest markets for used Japanese cars, and for good reason. The country drives on the left, so Japan's right-hand-drive stock is a natural fit, and Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Suzuki are everywhere because parts and mechanics are easy to find. The headline rule to know before you start: Kenya only accepts vehicles up to 8 years old from the year of manufacture, so for 2026 that means a 2019 model or newer, and left-hand-drive cars are not permitted. On the cost side, expect a real tax load. When you import a car from Japan to Kenya you pay 25% import duty, an excise duty that scales with engine size, 16% VAT, plus the Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy — together roughly 60-90% of the car's CIF value. It sounds heavy, but our licensed team prices it all upfront, sources the right age-compliant car at Japanese auction, and handles inspection, shipping to Mombasa and clearing, so there are no surprises at the port.

Main ports
  • Port of Mombasa
Import age rule
Max 8 years from manufacture; 2019+ in 2026.
Steering
RHD
Duties & taxes
Import Duty 25% + Excise (20–35% by engine size, on CIF+duty) + VAT 16% + IDF 2.5% + Railway Dev Levy 2%. Total burden ~60–90% of CIF.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Kenya

  1. Pick a Kenya-compliant car

    Tell us your budget and use case. We only shortlist right-hand-drive cars built within the last 8 years (2019 or newer in 2026), so it clears Kenyan rules cleanly.

  2. We source it from Japan's auctions

    Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the exact car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and confirms its real condition before anyone commits.

  3. Pre-shipment inspection

    Kenya requires a roadworthiness inspection by JEVIC or QISJ before the car leaves Japan. We arrange it and keep the certificate with your documents.

  4. Ocean shipping to Mombasa

    The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of Mombasa, Kenya's main entry point. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking.

  5. Duty and clearing at Mombasa

    On arrival we handle customs valuation and pay the duty, excise, VAT, IDF and Railway Development Levy, then clear the car through the port for you.

  6. Inland delivery to your city

    Finally the car is delivered from Mombasa to Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika or wherever you are, at a price we quote before you pay.

Import duties & taxes in Kenya explained

Kenyan import taxes are layered, which is why a clear quote matters. You pay 25% import duty on the customs value (CIF), then an excise duty that depends on engine size — roughly 20% up to 1500cc, 25% at 3000cc, and up to 35% on larger engines — calculated on CIF plus duty. On top of that comes 16% VAT, a 2.5% Import Declaration Fee and a 2% Railway Development Levy. Added together the total tax burden typically lands around 60-90% of the car's CIF value, so a smaller engine usually means a noticeably lower bill. Because Kenya values cars against its own CRSP schedule rather than your purchase price, the figures shift by model and year — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Kenya

  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    The default sensible family car in Kenya — frugal 1.5L engines, right-hand drive, and the cheapest parts and resale of anything on the road.

    See prices

  • Honda Fit

    A compact hatchback with petrol and hybrid options that sips fuel in Nairobi traffic, ideal for keeping running costs down.

    See prices

  • Toyota Probox

    The workhorse of Kenyan business — a tough, cheap-to-run wagon that survives rough roads and holds its value for fleets and traders.

    See prices

  • Mazda Demio

    A budget hatchback with a nicer cabin and design than its price suggests, and a small engine that keeps excise duty low.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    Light, economical and easy to sell again — low maintenance makes it a safe first import for buyers watching their shilling.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Kenya

  • Mombasa — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $100.
  • Nairobi — Delivery from Mombasa to Nairobi adds roughly $250 for a sedan.
  • Thika — Delivery from Mombasa to Thika adds roughly $270 for a sedan.
  • Nakuru — Delivery from Mombasa to Nakuru adds roughly $330 for a sedan.
  • Kisumu — Delivery from Mombasa to Kisumu adds roughly $390 for a sedan.
  • Eldoret — Delivery from Mombasa to Eldoret adds roughly $390 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a car older than 8 years to Kenya?
No — Kenya only allows vehicles up to 8 years old from the year of manufacture. In 2026 that means a 2019 model or newer; anything older will be rejected at the port.
Does Kenya allow left-hand-drive cars from Japan?
No. Kenya is a right-hand-drive country and left-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted, so we only source right-hand-drive Japanese cars for you.
How much does it cost in total to import a car from Japan to Kenya?
Beyond the car and shipping, Kenyan taxes typically add around 60-90% of the CIF value — 25% duty, excise by engine size, 16% VAT, plus IDF and Railway Development Levy. A smaller engine lowers the bill; we quote the exact figure before you commit.
How long does shipping from Japan to Mombasa take?
Sea freight to the Port of Mombasa generally takes several weeks, then a few more days for inspection clearance and customs. Our team gives you the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked.
Do you handle customs clearing at Mombasa?
Yes. Our licensed team values the car, pays all the duties and levies, clears it through the Port of Mombasa, and arranges inland delivery to your city — you do not deal with the port yourself.

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