Importing used cars from the USA to Kenya continues to grow in 2025 due to better pricing, high-quality U.S. inventory, and reliable shipping routes to the Port of Mombasa. But Kenya’s import regulations are strict, and failing to follow them can lead to delays, fines, or complete rejection of your vehicle at customs.
This guide explains everything Americans must know before exporting used cars to Kenya, including age limits, inspections, taxes, documentation, and the full import process.
1. Kenya’s 8-Year Age Limit Rule
Kenya enforces one of the strictest age limits in Africa.
To import a used car into Kenya:
✔ The car must not be older than 8 years from the year of first registration
✔ Based on January–December calendar year
✔ No exceptions for personal imports
Example:
For 2025 imports, only cars manufactured in 2018 or newer are allowed.
Vehicles older than the allowed age limit are automatically rejected at the Port of Mombasa.
2. Kenya Only Accepts Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Vehicles
Kenya is an RHD country, and all imported cars must follow this rule.
Allowed exceptions:
Fire engines
Ambulances
Construction equipment
Diplomatic imports
All regular passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and pickups must be right-hand drive.
3. Mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Kenya requires all vehicles to be inspected before departure.
This is done by authorized KEBS inspection agents such as QISJ.
Inspection includes:
Roadworthiness testing
Mechanical checks
Odometer verification
Radiation test
Exterior & interior inspection
Cars without pre-shipment inspection will face:
- Extra penalties
- Delays at Mombasa
- Possible denial of entry
Always ensure your inspection is completed in the USA before the vehicle ships.
4. Shipping Methods from the USA to Kenya
There are two main ways to ship used cars to Kenya:
A. RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping
✔ Cheapest
✔ Fastest loading/unloading
✔ Ideal for running cars, SUVs, pickups
Your car is driven onto the vessel and secured.
Best for standard used cars purchased from U.S. auctions (IAAI, Copart, Manheim).
B. Container Shipping
✔ Best for luxury vehicles
✔ Allows spare parts inside the car
✔ Suitable for non-running or salvage cars
You can ship in:
20ft container (1 vehicle)
40ft shared container (2–4 vehicles)
Container shipping provides maximum protection.
5. Cost to Ship Used Cars from the USA to Kenya
Average 2025 shipping costs:
$1,350–$1,850 — Sedans via RORO
$1,600–$2,400 — SUVs via RORO
$3,000–$4,800 — Container shipping
Final price depends on:
Departure port
Vehicle size/weight
Running or non-running condition
RORO vs container
Seasonal rates
East Coast ports (Newark, Baltimore, Savannah) offer the best rates and fastest sailings.
6. Transit Time from USA to Kenya
Typical transit time to Mombasa Port:
East Coast → Mombasa: 28–35 days
Gulf Coast → Mombasa: 32–40 days
West Coast → Mombasa: 45–55 days (less common)
7. Documents Americans Need to Export a Car to Kenya
To export from the USA, you must provide:
Original Vehicle Title
Copy of passport or U.S. ID
Bill of Sale or Auction Invoice
Export Power of Attorney
Full vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model)
At the import stage, your Kenyan clearing agent will need:
Bill of Lading (BOL)
Inspection certificate
KRA PIN
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Duty/tax assessment documents
8. Kenya Import Duties & Taxes for Used Cars
Kenya taxes every imported vehicle based on:
Engine size
Year of manufacture
Vehicle type
Customs valuation
Typical charges include:
Import Duty
Excise Duty
VAT
Railway Development Levy (RDL)
Import Declaration Fee (IDF)
These are paid before the car is released from Mombasa.
9. Step-by-Step Process to Import a Used Car to Kenya
Step 1 — Find a Car in the USA
Buy from dealerships or auctions such as Copart, IAAI, Manheim, ACV, or private sellers.
Step 2 — Confirm Kenya Eligibility
Verify:
✔ Year must meet the 8-year rule
✔ Car must be RHD
✔ No major damage that fails KEBS inspection
Step 3 — Complete Pre-Shipment Inspection
This must be done before the car ships.
Step 4 — Choose Shipping Method (RORO or Container)
Get rates and schedule the departure.
Step 5 — Deliver or Tow the Vehicle to the Port
Ports like Newark, Savannah, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Houston are commonly used.
Step 6 — Vehicle is Loaded and Shipped
Receive your Bill of Lading after the vessel departs.
Step 7 — Arrival at Mombasa Port
A clearing agent handles customs, duties, and paperwork.
Step 8 — Vehicle Release and Pickup
After taxes are paid, your car is released and ready for inland transport.
10. Tips for Americans to Save Money When Shipping to Kenya
Ship from East Coast ports for lower rates
Avoid oversized modifications
Choose RORO for running used cars
Use a reliable clearing agent in Mombasa
Ship multiple cars together to reduce costs
Book early to lock in cheaper rates
Need Help Importing a Used Car to Kenya?
For expert guidance, quotes, or inspection assistance:
Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
Call: +1 (678) 528-5794
WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
