Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Process for Imported Cars in Kenya

Importing a car into Kenya is exciting, especially when you’ve spent weeks or months hunting for that perfect vehicle overseas. But if you’re like me, that excitement often comes with a healthy dose of anxiety. Navigating the customs clearance process can feel like stepping into a maze of paperwork, taxes, and rules that aren’t always clearly explained. Over time, I’ve learned that being methodical—and knowing what to expect—can make the process much smoother. Here’s a detailed guide from my own experience and observations.

1. Understanding the Rules Before Arrival

Before your car even leaves the port in the U.S. or Europe, it’s worth taking a moment to understand Kenya’s import regulations. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is clear about duties, taxes, and the required documentation, but the details can trip up first-time importers.

For instance, the duty rate isn’t uniform; it depends on the age of the vehicle and its engine capacity. I remember a friend who assumed older cars were cheaper to import—they technically are, but the taxes can add up in unexpected ways. Doing the math beforehand helps avoid surprises when the bill arrives at the port.

2. Collecting Necessary Documents

Once you understand the rules, the next step is to gather the paperwork. This is where many people hit their first snag. At a minimum, you’ll need:

Original Bill of Lading – this proves the car was shipped to Kenya.

Commercial Invoice – details the purchase price and seller information.

Export Certificate/Title – shows that the car legally left its country of origin.

Packing List – especially if shipping multiple vehicles.

Identification Documents – usually a copy of your Kenyan ID or passport.

From experience, one small missing document can hold up clearance for weeks. I once had to scramble for a missing invoice copy, and it added nearly ten days to my clearance timeline.

3. Pre-Arrival Assessment

Some people might suggest skipping this step, but arranging a pre-arrival assessment through KRA’s online system is really helpful. This allows the customs officials to pre-calculate duties and taxes before the car arrives. I found this step particularly useful because it gave me a realistic estimate of the total cost, including VAT, import duty, excise duty, and the railway development levy.

Having a pre-arrival assessment ready also speeds up the process once the car lands, which means fewer days stuck at the port—and lower storage fees.

4. Arrival at Mombasa Port

When the car finally docks in Mombasa, the real waiting game begins. Cars don’t automatically move to customs; you have to submit the documents to KRA and wait for them to clear the shipment.

One tip I learned the hard way is to arrive early if you’re handling the process yourself. The queues can be long, and officials often process paperwork on a first-come, first-served basis. A friend of mine hired a clearing agent who sped things up considerably. Honestly, for first-timers, this is often worth the fee—it can save weeks of back-and-forth.

5. Physical Inspection

After your documents are submitted, your car will likely undergo a physical inspection. This is not just a formality. KRA officials will check the vehicle’s VIN number, engine number, and condition, and they might take photos for verification.

I remember being a little nervous during my first inspection. The inspector opened every door, hood, and trunk, making sure everything matched the submitted documents. It might feel invasive, but it’s standard procedure and helps prevent fines or delays later.

6. Valuation by KRA

The next step is valuation. Even if you paid a specific amount for the car abroad, KRA has the right to assess its value using the Automated Valuation Model (AVM). This can differ slightly from the invoice, especially for luxury or high-demand vehicles.

When my car was assessed, the official valuation was a few hundred dollars higher than the purchase price. It wasn’t a huge difference, but it was enough to remind me that KRA doesn’t always just accept the invoice at face value. Knowing this in advance helps you budget more accurately.

7. Payment of Duties and Taxes

Once valuation is complete, you’ll need to pay import duty and taxes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Import Duty – based on vehicle age and engine capacity.

Excise Duty – calculated as a percentage of the customs value.

VAT – 16% of the total of the customs value plus duty.

Railway Development Levy – usually 1.5% of the customs value.

Paying these taxes can feel like a punch in the wallet, but it’s unavoidable. I found it helpful to have a local bank account ready to facilitate payment. Some clearing agents can also handle payments on your behalf, which makes the process less stressful.

8. Receiving Clearance

Once the payment is processed, KRA issues a customs release order, often called the C60. With this in hand, your car is technically cleared, though there are still a few steps before it’s road-ready.

I recall the relief I felt when I got the release order for my first imported car. The car wasn’t mine in practical terms yet, but at least the biggest hurdle—the customs bureaucracy—was behind me.

9. Transport from Port to Your Location

Even after clearance, the car isn’t immediately on the road. Mombasa port is busy, and vehicles need to be transported to your preferred location. Some people drive the car themselves, but many hire a transporter or use a towing service to avoid traffic and insurance risks.

During my first import, I watched the transporter carefully load my car onto a flatbed. Seeing it secure gave me a strange mix of relief and anxiety—relief that it was safely cleared, anxiety that it was still technically in someone else’s hands.

10. Registration in Kenya

Finally, once the car reaches your garage or driveway, it’s time for registration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). You’ll need:

Customs release order (C60)

ID or passport

Proof of residence

Vehicle inspection certificate from KRA

At NTSA, the car is assigned a Kenyan registration number, and the title is updated to your name. This step can take a day or two if everything is in order, but it’s essential before you can legally drive.

Tips and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on my experiences, a few key points stand out:

Hire a clearing agent if unsure. The paperwork can be intimidating, and agents often save time.

Budget for hidden costs. Inspection fees, port storage, and small discrepancies in valuation can add up.

Stay organized. Keep copies of every document, both digital and hard copy. One missing paper can hold everything up.

Be patient. Even after following every step, delays can happen, especially during busy import seasons.

I’ve had moments of frustration waiting in long queues or trying to track down a missing form, but planning ahead and understanding each step made the process manageable—and even satisfying when the car finally hit the road in Nairobi.

Final Thoughts

Customs clearance in Kenya may seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it far less intimidating. From pre-arrival assessment to final registration, every stage is about preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Over the years, I’ve learned that approaching the process with a realistic mindset—not expecting it to be instant or effortless—makes the entire journey smoother.

If you’re planning your first import, remember this: a little diligence goes a long way. The car may be just a machine, but the process of getting it home safely teaches patience, persistence, and the value of proper planning. And when that first drive through Nairobi traffic finally happens, all the paperwork headaches suddenly feel worth it.

Published on: Sep 08, 2025

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