01Overview
Planning to import a used car from Japan to Kenya? Kenya is one of the largest importers of Japanese vehicles due to their reliability, right-hand drive configuration, and competitive prices.
However, all imported vehicles must comply with regulations issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
02Quick Overview
Requirement details
Country Kenya Maximum Vehicle Age Less than 8 years from the year of first registration Right-Hand Drive Required Left-Hand Drive Not permitted except limited special-purpose exemptions Pre-Shipment Inspection Mandatory Main Port Port of Mombasa Shipping Methods RoRo or Container Typical Shipping Time from Japan 25–40 days
03Vehicle Age Limit
Kenya applies one of Africa's strictest age requirements.
Requirements
- Imported used vehicles must be less than eight years old from the year of first registration.
- Vehicles older than the permitted limit cannot normally be registered for road use in Kenya.
Example
If importing in 2026, the vehicle generally needs a first registration year that falls within Kenya's current eligibility requirements. Always verify eligibility before purchase because the allowable registration year changes over time.
04Right-Hand Drive Requirement
Kenya drives on the left-hand side of the road, therefore: ✅ Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are permitted. ❌ Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles are generally prohibited. Exceptions may apply for:
- Ambulances
- Fire engines
- Certain construction and specialised government vehicles
05Mandatory Roadworthiness Inspection
Every used vehicle exported from Japan to Kenya must undergo an inspection before shipment. The inspection verifies:
- Vehicle age
- Chassis number
- Odometer
- Mechanical condition
- Safety equipment
- Roadworthiness
- Radiation screening (where applicable) Approved inspection providers may include agencies appointed by KEBS, such as JEVIC and QISJ.
06Vehicle Standards
Imported vehicles must comply with:
- KEBS Roadworthiness Standards
- KS 1515 (Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles)
- Verification of Conformity (VoC) requirements before export.
07Import Duties & Taxes
Vehicle imports are subject to several government charges, which may include:
- Import Duty
- Excise Duty
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF)
- Railway Development Levy (RDL) The amount payable depends on factors such as:
- Customs value
- Engine capacity
- Vehicle type
- Applicable tax legislation at the time of import Because Finance Acts and customs regulations may change, buyers should obtain an up-to-date duty calculation before purchase.
08Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original Bill of Lading
- Original Foreign Registration Certificate (Logbook)
- Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
- Export documents from Japan
- Buyer identification
- KRA PIN (for Kenyan importers)
- Any other documents requested by Customs or NTSA.
09Shipping Options
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)
Best for:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs
- Vans Advantages:
- Lower shipping cost
- Faster loading
- Reliable sailings
Container shipping
Recommended for:
- Luxury vehicles
- Classic cars
- Multiple vehicles
- Vehicles shipped with spare parts or accessories Advantages:
- Better protection
- Ability to consolidate cargo
10Destination Port
Most imported Japanese vehicles arrive at:
Port of Mombasa
From there, vehicles are cleared through customs and can be transported throughout Kenya.
11Popular Japanese Cars Imported into Kenya
Popular models include:
Toyota
- Land Cruiser Prado
- Land Cruiser
- Harrier
- Corolla Fielder
- Noah
- Voxy
- Hiace
- Hilux
- Vitz
- Premio
Nissan
- X-Trail
- Note
- Serena
- Dualis
Honda
- Fit
- Vezel
- CR-V
Mazda
- Demio
- CX-5
- Atenza
Subaru
- Forester
- XV
- Impreza
12Step-by-Step Import Process
1. Choose your vehicle in Japan. 2. Receive a quotation (vehicle, freight, and estimated charges). 3. Confirm the vehicle complies with Kenya's import rules. 4. Complete payment. 5. Arrange the mandatory pre-shipment inspection. 6. Export the vehicle from Japan. 7. Ship to the Port of Mombasa. 8.
Complete customs clearance through a licensed customs agent. 9. Pay applicable duties and taxes. 10. Register the vehicle with the relevant Kenyan authorities before road use.
13Why Import from Japan?
Benefits include:
- High vehicle quality
- Regular maintenance history
- Lower mileage
- Wide choice of hybrid models
- Competitive prices
- Reliable auction grading systems
- Strong availability of spare parts in Kenya
14Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a left-hand-drive vehicle?
Generally no. Kenya requires right-hand-drive vehicles except for limited special-purpose exemptions.
Is a pre-shipment inspection compulsory?
Yes. Used vehicles must pass a roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed inspection agency before export.
Can I import hybrid vehicles?
Yes. Hybrid vehicles can be imported provided they comply with Kenya's import requirements and inspection standards. Applicable taxes may differ by vehicle category.
How long does shipping from Japan take?
Shipping to Mombasa typically takes 25–40 days, depending on the port of departure, shipping line, and schedule.
Do I need a customs agent?
Yes. Customs declarations are generally processed through a licensed customs clearing agent using KRA's customs systems.
15How 360 Moto Can Help
At 360 Moto Japan, we help customers in Kenya source high-quality Japanese vehicles through auctions and dealer networks. Our services include:
- Vehicle sourcing
- Auction bidding
- Inspection support
- Export documentation
- RoRo and container shipping
- Freight quotations
- Personal Buying Agent service
- Ongoing customer support from Japan to Kenya
16Disclaimer from 360 Moto
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and is based on regulations available at the time of publication.
Import laws, customs duties, taxes, vehicle eligibility, inspection requirements, shipping procedures, and registration rules may change without prior notice and can vary depending on the destination country and local authorities.
Buyers are responsible for confirming the latest import requirements with the relevant customs, transport, and government authorities before purchasing or importing a vehicle.
While 360 Moto strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee that all information remains current or error-free and accept no liability for any changes in regulations or additional costs incurred after purchase.