Export Cars
to Kenya
UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Kenya for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Kenya
Kenya is one of East Africa's most significant vehicle import markets. Right-hand drive vehicles from the UK are well suited to Kenyan roads and the country operates an established import process through the Kenya Revenue Authority.
UK Car Source manages the full export process to Kenya including KEBS-approved pre-shipment inspection coordination, documentation preparation, sea freight booking via Mombasa and ongoing logistics support.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive required. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | Maximum 8 years from first registration at time of import. |
| Condition | Roadworthy condition. Pre-shipment inspection required by KEBS-approved inspector. |
| Customs Authority | Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty (25%), excise duty and VAT (16%) applied on CIF value. |
| Standards | KEBS pre-export inspection required. Safety standards must be met. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
18–25 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF value |
| Excise Duty | 20% (petrol >1500cc); 25% (diesel >1500cc); 35% (petrol >2500cc); 0% (EVs) |
| VAT | 16% on CIF + duty + excise |
| Railway Development Levy | 2% of CIF |
| IDF Fee | 3.5% of CIF (min KES 5,000) |
| Age Restriction | Max 8 years old. Vehicles over 8 years attract 25% additional levy |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Mombasa Port (Kilindini Harbour) is the primary entry point for East Africa. Vehicles arrive at the Mombasa Inland Container Depot (ICD). KEBS pre-export inspection (PVOC) is mandatory before shipment — arrange with a KEBS-approved inspection body in the UK.
On arrival, the importer must present documents to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Nairobi ICD (Embakasi) handles inland customs for vehicles destined for Nairobi. Budget 7–14 days for customs clearance at Mombasa. Port congestion can add delays — allow buffer time.
Local Market Advice
The Kenyan used car market is sophisticated. Buyers in Nairobi expect clean service histories and low mileage. Japanese-specification vehicles are common so UK-spec cars stand out positively for their condition.
The market favours SUVs and 4WDs overwhelmingly — sedans have limited resale value. Colours: silver, white, and black dominate. Avoid body colours that are unusual in the local market. Budget for: import duty + excise + VAT (can total 60–100% of vehicle CIF value) plus port handling, customs agent fees, and inland transport.
Export a Vehicle to Kenya
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.