Imports
How to Import a Duty-Free Car in Kenya
Who qualifies, what KRA asks for, and how the exemption process actually runs — start to logbook.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) allows certain categories of persons to import vehicles into Kenya without paying import duty and VAT — a saving that can amount to 40–70% of the vehicle's value. Understanding who qualifies, what documents are required, and how the process works is key to taking full advantage of this benefit.
At Kilem Auto, we have helped hundreds of returning residents, diplomats, and persons with disability navigate the duty-free importation process smoothly. We handle sourcing, shipping, KRA exemption applications, customs clearance, and NTSA registration — end to end.
Who Qualifies for Duty-Free Car Importation?
The following categories of persons are eligible to import a vehicle duty-free into Kenya, subject to KRA approval and documentation:
Returning Residents & Diaspora
Kenyans who have lived outside Kenya for at least 2 years and are returning permanently may import one vehicle duty-free, provided it was owned and used abroad for at least 12 months.
Diplomats & Foreign Mission Staff
Accredited diplomats, consular officers, and international organisation staff are entitled to duty-free importation of personal vehicles under the Vienna Convention.
Foreign Experts & Aid Workers
Specialists engaged under bilateral or multilateral agreements with the Kenyan government may qualify for duty-free importation subject to their contract terms.
Persons with Disability (PWD)
Registered PWDs in Kenya are entitled to import or purchase one locally assembled/imported vehicle duty-free every 5 years. See our dedicated PWD page for full details.
Step-by-Step: How the Duty-Free Import Process Works
Here is a complete walkthrough of the process from eligibility check to receiving your vehicle's Kenyan logbook:
- 1
Confirm Your Eligibility
Verify that you qualify under the KRA duty-free exemption categories — returning resident, diplomat, PWD, or approved foreign expert. Gather all supporting documentation before proceeding.
- 2
Prepare Your Documents
You will need: a valid Kenyan passport with entry/exit stamps, proof of residence abroad (work permit, foreign ID, or lease agreements), logbook/title deed of the vehicle, purchase invoice, and a completed KRA Form C17.
- 3
Source & Purchase the Vehicle
The vehicle must be right-hand drive, under 8 years old, and must have been registered in your name abroad for at least 12 months (for returning residents). Kilem Auto can source the right vehicle from Japanese auctions on your behalf.
- 4
Ship the Vehicle to Mombasa
Once purchased, we arrange shipping via a reputable shipping line. Shipping from Japan takes approximately 27–30 days. We handle all export documentation including the Bill of Lading and Export Certificate.
- 5
Apply for Duty Exemption at KRA
Submit your exemption application to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner of Customs before or upon arrival of the vehicle. KRA will assess eligibility and issue an exemption certificate if approved.
- 6
Customs Inspection & Clearance
The vehicle undergoes inspection at the port of Mombasa by KRA and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). Once cleared, the vehicle is released without payment of import duty and VAT.
- 7
NTSA Registration & Logbook
After port clearance, the vehicle is registered with NTSA, assigned a Kenyan number plate, and a local logbook issued in your name. The entire process typically takes 2–4 weeks from port arrival.
Documents You Will Need
Incomplete paperwork is the single most common reason a duty-free application stalls at KRA. Gather these before the vehicle ships:
Proof of identity & residence abroad
- Valid Kenyan passport showing entry and exit stamps covering the qualifying period
- Evidence you lived abroad for at least two years — work permit, residence card, foreign national ID or tenancy agreements
- Proof you are returning permanently, such as a termination or transfer letter from your overseas employer
Proof of ownership of the vehicle
- Foreign logbook, title or registration document in your own name
- Evidence the vehicle was registered to you abroad for at least 12 months before shipping
- Original purchase invoice or bill of sale
Shipping & customs paperwork
- Bill of Lading issued by the shipping line
- Japanese export certificate (or equivalent de-registration document)
- KEBS pre-export inspection certificate
- Completed KRA exemption application, submitted to the Commissioner of Customs
Important Notes & Restrictions
The duty-free exemption applies only once — the vehicle cannot be sold or transferred within 2 years of importation without paying the original duty.
KRA has the right to audit and reclaim duty if the vehicle is disposed of before the restriction period lapses.
The vehicle must comply with Kenya's right-hand drive rule and KEBS roadworthiness standards.
Age limit: most categories are restricted to vehicles not more than 8 years old from the year of manufacture.
All applications are subject to KRA approval — exemptions are not guaranteed and documentation must be complete and authentic.
Duty-Free Importation: Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we are asked most often about importing a vehicle into Kenya without paying duty.
How much does duty-free importation actually save me?
Import duty, excise and VAT together typically account for 40–70% of what a vehicle costs to land in Kenya, depending on engine size, age and value. A duty-free exemption removes the duty and VAT portion, though you still pay shipping, port charges, clearing and agency fees.
Can I import any car duty-free?
No. The vehicle must be right-hand drive, generally not more than eight years old from the year of manufacture, and must meet KEBS roadworthiness standards. Returning residents additionally need to have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least 12 months.
How long does the whole process take?
Budget around two to three months end to end. Shipping from Japan is roughly 27–30 days, and clearance, KRA exemption approval and NTSA registration usually add a further two to four weeks after the vehicle docks in Mombasa.
Can I sell the car after importing it duty-free?
Not immediately. The exemption is personal to you, and disposing of the vehicle within two years of importation triggers the full duty that was originally waived. KRA can audit and reclaim it.
How many vehicles can I bring in duty-free?
Returning residents are entitled to one vehicle per qualifying return. Registered persons with disability may claim the benefit once every five years. Diplomatic entitlements depend on the terms of the mission's accreditation.
What happens if KRA rejects my exemption application?
The vehicle is not lost — it is simply assessed for full duty and VAT like any other import, which must be settled before it leaves the port. This is why we check eligibility and paperwork thoroughly before anything is shipped.
Do I need to be in Kenya for the process?
No. Most of our duty-free clients are still abroad while their vehicle is sourced and shipped. We can act on your behalf throughout, though you will need to sign certain KRA documents, which can be handled remotely.
Start Your Duty-Free Import Inquiry
Tell us about your situation and the vehicle you're looking to import. Our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised guide.