Guides

How to Import a Car into Kenya and Estimate Duty

Boda boda rider by a Nairobi roadside market – How to Import a Car into Kenya and Estimate Duty
Boda boda rider by a Nairobi roadside market. Photo: Tmaokisa / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Updated 17 October 2026

Importing a car means KRA customs duty, Excise, VAT and related levies, plus NTSA registration after clearance. Age limits change, so confirm with KRA and a licensed clearing agent before you buy abroad.

  1. Confirm the car meets current age and standard rules.
  2. Ship to the designated port and appoint a licensed clearing agent.
  3. Pay assessed duties on the KRA customs system.
  4. Clear the unit, then register and plate through NTSA.

Duty estimator (planning only; KRA assessment is final):

Estimate only. Rates checked 13 Oct 2026.
Embed this calculator

Copy this code into your website:

About Author

Norah Waceke is a business journalist and editor at Business Radar with more than eight years of experience covering Kenya's economy, companies and markets. She previously worked at Kenyans.co.ke, one of the country's leading digital news platforms, where she reported on business, finance and current affairs. A graduate of Multimedia University of Kenya, Norah focuses on clear, accurate reporting that helps readers understand the money stories shaping their lives and businesses.

More from Norah Waceke · Editorial policy

Related stories

University students looking at a smartphone together – KMTC March 2025 Intake: Courses, Entry Requirements and How to Apply
Guides Lifestyle

KMTC March 2025 Intake: Courses, Entry Requirements and How to Apply

Updated 17 October 2026 The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has announced its March 2025 intake, offering a range of
Students in a Kenyan university computer lab – Meru National Polytechnic: Courses, Fees Structure, and How to Access the Portal
Guides Lifestyle

Meru National Polytechnic: Courses, Fees Structure, and How to Access the Portal

Meru National Polytechnic (MNP) is one of Kenya’s premier public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. Established under
Latest