Importing a car to Kenya from US auctions

What it costs, which cars you're allowed to bring in, and the documents you'll need — before you bid on Copart or IAAI.

Customs cost to Kenya

Import duty	25% of customs value
Excise	sedan: 20% · suv: 25% · pickup: 25%
VAT	16%
Clearing (typical)	~$400

Estimates — the exact all-in figure (auction fees + US inland + ocean + these customs) is on the calculator, in KES.

Which titles can you import to Kenya?

Clean title

Clean title — registers normally.

Salvage title

Salvage — importable, needs inspection/re-registration.

Rebuilt / prior salvage

Rebuilt — usually registers after inspection.

Flood / water damage

Flood damage — check corrosion/electrics; some registries restrict.

Parts only / non-repairable

Parts-only — most countries won't register it for road use.

Key rules

Age limit	Strict 8-year age limit (KEBS) — the car must be under 8 years old at import.
Steering	Right-hand drive only — Kenya does NOT register left-hand-drive cars.
Salvage / damage	Must pass a JEVIC/QISJ pre-export inspection; badly damaged cars are often rejected. RHD requirement rules out most US LHD stock.
Clearing time	Mombasa — CRSP-based valuation drives duty; inspection is mandatory pre-shipment.

Documents you'll need

Original title
Bill of lading
JEVIC/QISJ inspection certificate
KRA import declaration (IDF)

Kenya import — questions & answers

How much does it cost to import a car to Kenya?

On top of the winning bid you pay auction fees, US inland transport, ocean freight and Kenya customs — import duty 25%, VAT 16%, plus excise. Use our calculator for the exact all-in figure in your currency, before you bid.

Can I import a salvage or rebuilt car to Kenya?

Must pass a JEVIC/QISJ pre-export inspection; badly damaged cars are often rejected. RHD requirement rules out most US LHD stock.

Is there an age limit for importing a car to Kenya?

Strict 8-year age limit (KEBS) — the car must be under 8 years old at import.

Left-hand or right-hand drive for Kenya?

Right-hand drive only — Kenya does NOT register left-hand-drive cars.

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