Importing a car to Kenya is an exciting opportunity, whether you're looking for a personal vehicle or starting a business in the automotive industry. However, the process can seem complex due to the various regulations and steps involved. Fortunately, CarsKenya.co.ke is here to simplify the process, offering expert services and guidance to make your car importation journey smooth and efficient. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to import a car to Kenya, highlighting how CarsKenya.co.ke can be your trusted partner from start to finish.

Why Choose CarsKenya.co.ke?

Before diving into the specifics of car importation, it's important to choose a reliable partner to assist with the process. CarsKenya.co.ke is the leading platform for car importation in Kenya, offering end-to-end solutions to meet your needs. The company provides:

• Vast Vehicle Selection: Access to a wide range of vehicles from trusted suppliers in Japan, the UK, and other countries.

• Customs Clearance Assistance: CarsKenya.co.ke helps you navigate the often-complicated customs clearance process, ensuring your vehicle meets all local regulations.

• Affordability: Competitive pricing and flexible payment plans tailored to your budget.

• Transparency: Regular updates and clear communication throughout the importation process.

Now, let’s explore the steps involved in importing a car to Kenya and how CarsKenya.co.ke can streamline the process for you.

Steps to Import Cars to Kenya

Step 1: Understand the Regulations

The first and most crucial step of How to Import Cars to Kenya is understanding the regulations set by the Kenyan government. These rules are designed to control the quality and environmental standards of vehicles entering the country. Here are some key regulations:

• Age Limit: Imported cars must be less than 8 years old from the year of manufacture. Vehicles older than this are not permitted to be imported.

• Right-Hand Drive: Kenya only allows right-hand drive vehicles. Exceptions are made for special vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks.

• Inspection: All vehicles imported to Kenya must undergo pre-shipment inspection by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to ensure they meet local safety and environmental standards.

CarsKenya.co.ke is well-versed in these regulations and works with accredited inspection bodies to ensure your vehicle is compliant, saving you the hassle of dealing with technicalities.

Step 2: Choose Your Vehicle

Once you’re familiar with the regulations, it’s time to select your vehicle. CarsKenya.co.ke offers a wide variety of cars from international markets like Japan, which is one of the most popular sources of imported cars in Kenya due to the high quality and affordability of Japanese vehicles.

You can browse the CarsKenya.co.ke website to find the car that meets your requirements, whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a spacious SUV, or a commercial vehicle. The platform provides detailed information on each vehicle, including specifications, price, and shipping time.

Step 3: Calculate Import Duty and Taxes

Before making your purchase, it’s essential to understand the costs associated with importing a car to Kenya. The key fees include:

• Import Duty: The rate is 25% of the customs value of the vehicle.

• Excise Duty: This varies depending on the engine capacity of the vehicle:

• 20% for vehicles with engines up to 1500cc.

• 35% for vehicles with engines above 1500cc.

• VAT: This is set at 16% of the vehicle's customs value.

• Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5% of the customs value.

• Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of the customs value or a minimum of KES 5,000.

CarsKenya.co.ke offers a duty calculator tool on their website to help you estimate the total cost of importing your vehicle, including all duties and taxes. This transparency helps you avoid unexpected costs and budget accordingly.

Step 4: Arrange Shipping and Logistics

Once you've chosen your vehicle and understood the associated costs, it's time to arrange for shipping. CarsKenya.co.ke partners with reputable shipping companies to ensure your car arrives safely at the port of Mombasa.

Shipping usually takes between 4-8 weeks, depending on the country of origin. CarsKenya.co.ke handles all the logistics, including booking the shipping space, ensuring proper documentation, and providing tracking updates so you can monitor your car's progress.

Step 5: Customs Clearance at the Port

When your car arrives at the port of Mombasa, it must go through customs clearance. This process can be overwhelming due to the various documents required, including:

• Original bill of lading.

• Export certificate from the country of origin.

• Pre-shipment inspection certificate (from KEBS).

• Original commercial invoice.

• Logbook (vehicle registration).

CarsKenya.co.ke provides customs clearance services, taking care of all the paperwork and liaising with customs officials to ensure a smooth clearance process. This reduces the stress of dealing with the bureaucracy involved in importing a car.

Step 6: Registration and Number Plates

After customs clearance, the vehicle must be registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) before it can be driven on Kenyan roads. This process involves assigning a registration number and issuing number plates.

CarsKenya.co.ke assists with the registration process, ensuring your car receives its number plates in the shortest time possible. They also provide guidance on insurance options, so you can hit the road with confidence.

Step 7: Vehicle Delivery or Pickup

Once your car is registered and all formalities are complete, you have the option to either pick it up at the port or have it delivered to your location. CarsKenya.co.ke offers door-to-door delivery services, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely to your desired address.

Conclusion

Importing a car to Kenya may seem like a complex process, but with the right guidance and support, it can be a seamless and rewarding experience. CarsKenya.co.ke stands out as the go-to company for anyone looking to import a vehicle to Kenya. Their expertise, transparency, and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure that you get the car you want without the stress.

From navigating the intricate regulatory landscape to handling logistics and customs clearance, CarsKenya.co.ke takes care of every detail, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new vehicle. Whether you're importing your first car or adding to your fleet, trust CarsKenya.co.ke to deliver the best service and value.