What is Import Duty in Kenya?

All cars imported into Kenya are subject to custom duties calculated by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The calculation is based on the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list published by KRA for specific makes and models.

The 8-Year Age Rule

In Kenya, you cannot import a vehicle that is more than 8 years old from its year of manufacture. For example, in 2026, the oldest car you can legally import is from 2018. This age restriction makes younger used cars highly sought after, keeping their market prices relatively high.

'Duty Paid' vs. 'Duty Free' Showrooms

When searching for cars online, you will often see labels like "Duty Paid" or "Duty Free / Unregistered":

• Duty Paid: The importer has cleared all KRA taxes. The car is ready to receive a local registration number plate (e.g., KDK, KDL series) and can be driven immediately.
• Duty Free / Unpaid: The vehicle is stored in a bonded warehouse. The buyer must pay the customs duty (often hundreds of thousands of shillings) before the car can be registered or driven on public roads.

Checking Taxes Before You Buy

Always request the customs clearance documents or logbook details. Paying for a car and later discovering it has unpaid custom taxes can lead to KRA impounding the vehicle. Protect yourself by validating the vehicle's import status using digital tools and physical double-checks.