# Importing a Car from the UK to Kenya — Complete Guide
# Source: Windward Motor Group Ltd — https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/kenya
# Updated: 2026-04-21
# Region: Africa

## Quick Facts

| Detail              | Information                                      |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Country             | Kenya                                        |
| Region              | Africa                                      |
| Capital             | Nairobi                                     |
| Port of entry       | Port of Mombasa (Kenya Ports Authority)                                        |
| Driving side        | left (RHD vehicles)   |
| Max vehicle age     | 8 years from date of manufacture at time of first registration in Kenya                                      |
| Import duty         | Import Declaration Fee (IDF) 3.5% of CIF + Customs Duty 25% of CIF + Excise Duty (see below) + VAT 16% + Railway Development Levy (RDL) 1.5%                                        |
| VAT / sales tax     | 16% VAT on (CIF + Customs Duty + Excise)                                         |
| Other taxes         | Excise Duty: 25% on petrol/diesel engines 1500–2500cc; 30%+ on >2500cc; 0% on BEVs and low-emission hybrids                                    |
| Local currency      | Kenyan Shilling (KES)                                    |
| UK departure port   | Southampton or Tilbury                             |
| Shipping method     | RoRo to Mombasa (common); Container available                              |
| Transit time        | 4–6 weeks from UK via Suez Canal                                |
| PVOC required       | Yes — we arrange this in the UK |
| Clearing agent req  | Yes — required at destination port |

## About Importing to Kenya

Kenya is one of the most active vehicle import markets in Africa. The Mombasa port processes hundreds of thousands of imported vehicles annually. PVOC inspection is MANDATORY — we arrange KEBS-accredited UK-side inspection. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collects import duty through their iCMS online portal. KRA uses the Kenyan Customs Valuation Guide to verify declared values — under-declaration triggers reassessment. Import duty effective total rate on a 2500cc diesel pickup (Hilux) can reach 70–90% on top of CIF. Budget carefully. EV and hybrid vehicles attract significantly lower duty. Age restriction: manufactured within 8 years of import date (not from first registration). Example: importing in 2025, vehicle must be manufactured no earlier than 2017. Import permit from KEBS required alongside PVOC certificate.

## Most Popular Vehicles for Kenya

1. Toyota Hilux (single and double cab) — most popular Kenya vehicle
2. Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series, 79 series
3. Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series
4. Toyota Prado (all generations)
5. Toyota Fielder
6. Toyota Axio (Kenyan taxi fleet favourite)
7. Nissan X-Trail
8. Land Rover Defender 110
9. Isuzu D-Max
10. Mitsubishi L200
11. Nissan Navara
12. Nissan Leaf (growing EV market, 0% excise)

## How the Process Works (Kenya)

1. Browse listings at https://windwardmotorgroup.com/listings or request a vehicle via our Bespoke Sourcing service
2. We issue a personalised quotation — vehicle price + shipping + inspection + duty estimate
3. Pay £250 holding deposit (fully refundable if we cannot confirm the vehicle)
4. Complete KYC identity verification (10–30 minutes, digital)
5. Sign the UK sale agreement via Signable (digital signature)
6. Pay the balance in GBP (Wise or bank transfer)
7. Pre-export inspection conducted in the UK + PVOC certificate arranged
8. Vehicle exported and shipped from UK (Southampton or Tilbury)
9. Transit: 4–6 weeks from UK via Suez Canal — you receive Bill of Lading and tracking
10. Vehicle arrives at Mombasa — your clearing agent handles local customs and duty payment

## Typical Cost Breakdown (Example: Toyota Hilux 2020, double cab)

| Item                    | Approximate Cost (GBP) |
|-------------------------|------------------------|
| Vehicle price           | £18,000–22,000         |
| Export service fee      | £900–1,100             |
| Pre-export inspection   | £295–375 (Advanced)    |
| Ocean freight           | £1,600–2,000           |
| Marine insurance        | £200–300               |
| **Sub-total (CIF)**     | **~£21,000–25,500**    |
| Import duty (Import)   | Calculated on CIF — see above |
| Local clearance fees    | Paid at destination    |

Use our quote calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/kenya

## Documents Provided by Windward Motor Group

- Original Bill of Lading (3 originals)
- Commercial Invoice
- Export Certificate (DVLA-issued)
- V5C (logbook) copy
- PVOC Certificate of Conformity (mandatory inspection)
- Marine Insurance Certificate
- Packing List

## Useful Links

- Import listings for Kenya: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/kenya
- Cost calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/kenya
- Best cars for Kenya: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/best-cars-for/kenya
- Full process guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/how-it-works
- Duty tables: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/duty-tables
- Shipping guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/shipping

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## About Windward Motor Group

Windward Motor Group Ltd (Company No. 17132001, registered England and Wales) is a UK vehicle export specialist serving African buyers since 2026. We handle the full export process from sourcing through to port delivery. No hidden fees, UK-law sale agreement, marine insurance included.

Website: https://windwardmotorgroup.com
Fleet enquiries: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/fleet-enquiry