Car Export to Kenya from China
Wholesale supply to Mombasa with pre-shipment PVoC inspection, KEBS certificate of conformity, right-hand drive configuration confirmed before deposit, and a 120-point check before loading.
Why Kenya Dealers Buy Chinese Vehicles
Supply origin in this market has shifted decisively toward China over the past few years. Here is what that means for a dealer or importer sourcing stock.
Right-hand drive, confirmed in writing
Kenya drives on the left, so vehicles must be right-hand drive and the speedometer and odometer must read in metric. We confirm the steering configuration for every Kenya order before a deposit is taken.
PVoC done in China, not at the port
The pre-export verification of conformity is arranged at the loading port before the vessel sails. Consignments that arrive without a valid certificate are held at Mombasa and attract a penalty.
Units inside the age window
Kenya restricts the age of imported vehicles and enforces the limit strictly. We only quote units that sit inside the window currently in force, so eligibility is never a surprise at the port.
Mombasa as a regional gateway
Mombasa is not only Kenya's port. Consignments clear there and move inland to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and eastern Congo, which makes it a practical base for regional distributors.
Import Compliance: What Kenya Requires
Compliance is where most Kenya transactions are lost. These are the steps in the order they actually happen, and the point at which each one must be completed.
- Import Declaration Form and importer registrationThe importer files the IDF through the Kenya Revenue Authority electronic system using our proforma invoice, and must be registered with a valid PIN. The IDF reference is what the pre-shipment inspection is booked against, so it has to be in place first.
- PVoC inspection and Certificate of ConformityA KEBS-approved agency inspects the vehicles in China before loading and issues the Certificate of Conformity. The inspection checks the VIN and chassis, the manufacturing date against the age limit, the right-hand drive configuration, roadworthiness, safety equipment and emissions. This step cannot be done after the vessel sails.
- Customs clearance at MombasaClearance is handled by a KRA-registered agent against the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, CoC and IDF. Duty and the associated levies are assessed on the CIF value at this point.
- NTSA registrationAfter release, the vehicle is inspected and registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority, at which point number plates and the logbook are issued. Registration is not automatic and needs the clearance documents, so keep the originals together.
The step that matters most: The step that cannot be recovered: PVoC inspection must be completed before departure. Vehicles that arrive at Mombasa without a valid certificate of conformity are held, and the penalty is calculated on consignment value. Book the inspection as soon as shipping space is confirmed.
Documents we provide
| Document | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice | Basis of the import declaration and the letter of credit | Before deposit |
| Certificate of Conformity | Enables destination clearance and registration | Before sailing |
| Bill of Lading | Title document for the delivery order | 3–5 days after departure |
| Commercial Invoice | Customs valuation and duty assessment | Before departure |
| Packing List | Port inspection and VIN verification | Before departure |
| Certificate of Origin | Customs and preferential-duty compliance | On B/L issuance |
| Inspection Report | Independent record of condition before loading | Before final payment |
On document accuracy: destination customs systems cross-check every character across the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of conformity. We verify all of them against each other before the original bill of lading is printed.
Ports and Shipping to Kenya
We ship from Chinese ports to Mombasa on container and RoRo services, and plan the inland leg when the consignment is destined beyond Kenya.
| Gateway | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mombasa (Kilindini) | Main vehicle gateway for Kenya | Where nearly all consignments clear; also the transit point for Uganda and Rwanda |
| Lamu | Smaller volume, northern coast | Limited vehicle handling; only where inland routing suits |
| Mombasa transit to Kampala / Kigali | Regional redistribution | Bonded transit documentation must be arranged before arrival |
Plan for port-side time, not just ocean time. Clearance at Mombasa adds time after arrival, and storage charges begin once the free period ends. Your quotation carries a realistic door-to-door estimate rather than ocean transit alone.
Container loading. A 40HQ container typically carries three to four SUVs or four to five sedans depending on dimensions. Mixed loads are routine for dealers testing a new line, and we return a loading plan with the quote.
How Kenya Import Duty Works
We quote FOB or CIF. Assessment happens at destination on the CIF value, and the structure below is what importers work with.
| Component | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Import duty on passenger vehicles | CIF value |
| Excise duty | CIF value plus import duty, banded by engine capacity |
| Value added tax | CIF value plus duty and excise |
| Import declaration fee | CIF value |
| Railway development levy | CIF value |
| Port and terminal charges | Per consignment |
Why there is no total percentage here: We deliberately do not publish a total percentage. Rates, bands and exemptions change, and the treatment of electric and hybrid vehicles differs from petrol models. Your proforma invoice sets out the structure for your specific units, and we recommend confirming the final figure with a licensed Kenyan clearing agent before you commit.
Vehicle age and eligibility
Kenya limits the age of imported vehicles to a window of several years and enforces it rigorously at inspection, counted from the manufacturing date rather than the model year. We verify the manufacturing date from the VIN plate before quoting, and we will only offer units that sit inside the current limit. Tell us your target model year and we confirm eligibility in writing first. One point worth knowing: electric vehicles attract a materially lighter tax treatment than petrol models in Kenya, which changes the landed maths in their favour.
Models Kenya Dealers Order Most
Drawn from current demand in Nairobi and Mombasa. Every model below is available from our catalogue or on allocation.
| Segment | Models in our catalogue | Why it sells |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-size SUVs | Toyota Highlander · Nissan X-Trail · Kia Seltos · Toyota Frontlander | The core retail segment in Nairobi |
| Sedans and wagons | Toyota Camry · Toyota Corolla · Kia K3 · Hyundai Elantra | Fleet, taxi and family use |
| Compact SUVs | Geely Boyue · Changan CS55 PLUS · GAC Trumpchi GS3 | Value positioning for volume dealers |
| New energy | BYD Song Plus · BYD Sealion 06 · Zeekr 7X | Lighter tax treatment improves the landed cost |
Need a model that is not listed? Send the model, year and quantity, and our sourcing goes beyond the catalogue shown on this site.
How Ordering Works
- Send your RFQModel list, quantities, target model years and destination port.
- Receive a quote within one business dayStructured FOB or CIF pricing with unit prices, container or routing plan and lead time.
- Confirm and pay a depositVehicles are reserved and the pre-shipment inspection is scheduled. The deposit and balance schedule is set out in your proforma invoice.
- Pre-shipment inspectionPhotographs and video of the actual units before loading, sent to you for approval.
- Balance, loading and departureDocuments are couriered to you so your bank and agent can complete the destination formalities.
Order sizes. Volume wholesale terms apply for dealers and distributors, and single-unit orders can be quoted FOB on request. Tell us your model mix and destination and we will confirm terms for your specific order.
Kenya Import FAQ
Is right-hand drive required for Kenya?
What is PVoC and can it be done after shipping?
How old can an imported vehicle be?
Can the consignment transit to Uganda or Rwanda?
Do electric vehicles pay less tax in Kenya?
What is the minimum order quantity?
How many cars fit in one container?
How do I start an order?
Do you supply used vehicles as well as new ones?
Request a Kenya FOB Quote
Send your model list, quantities, target model years and destination port. Our export team replies within one business day with pricing, a container plan and lead time.