If you have never imported a car before, you may wonder how the entire process works. This guide explains the step-by-step process, including inspection, shipping, duty, clearing, and delivery. It also covers the exact costs you should expect when planning to import cars from Japan to Kenya.

1. Choose the Car You Want

Start by deciding:

• Budget
• Fuel efficiency
• Hybrid or petrol
• Size (SUV, sedan, hatchback)
• Model year

Platforms like BeForward and SBT help you compare prices, but working with car dealers in Kenya gives you extra safety.

2. Request a Full Cost Breakdown

Your importer should send:

• C&F Japan price
• Duty estimate
• Port charges
• Registration fees
• Delivery charges (door-to-door)

You can also check CarsKenya’s cost calculation guides on their blog.

3. Pay Deposit or Use Car Import Financing Kenya

Most importers ship the car with a 50% deposit.
If you do not have the full amount, you can use car import financing through:

• SACCOs
• Microfinance institutions
• Banks
• Employer-backed loans

This makes importing more affordable.

4. Vehicle Inspection (Mandatory)

Every vehicle must pass:

• JEVIC inspection, or
• QISJ inspection

This ensures the car is roadworthy and meets Kenyan standards.

Inspection fees range from Ksh 18,000 – 25,000.

5. Shipping From Japan

Shipping takes 28–45 days.
During this time, your importer should provide:

• BL (Bill of Lading)
• Ship name
• Expected arrival date

6. Duty and Taxes Explained

Taxes you must pay include:

• Import Duty – 25%
• Excise Duty – varies by engine size
• VAT – 16%
• IDF Fee – 2%
• RDL Fee – 1.5%

Duty-free importation is available for:

• Diplomats
• Returning residents
• Persons with Disabilities

Learn more:
➡ https://kra.go.ke/vehicle-import-guidelines

7. Clearing and Port Charges

These include:

• Wharfage
• Port handling
• Shipping line charges
• Number plates
• NTSA TIMS fees

A good importer will handle all this for you.

8. Door-to-Door Car Import Kenya

This service means:

• Your car is cleared at Mombasa
• Registered under NTSA
• Number plates issued
• Delivered to Nairobi or your location

It saves time and removes stress.

CarsKenya offers reliable door-to-door delivery.

9. Buying Cars Online Kenya – What You Must Check

When buying a car online:

• Verify chassis
• Check photos carefully
• Confirm mileage
• Check service records
• Make sure seller has office presence

Never send money to social media sellers without proper documents.

10. Full Step-by-Step Summary

1. Choose your car
2. Request quotation
3. Pay deposit or use financing
4. Car inspection
5. Shipping
6. Pay duty
7. Clearing
8. Registration
9. Delivery
10. Handover

Conclusion

Now you understand the full process of car importation in Kenya, including every cost you should expect. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your vehicle, importing gives you better value and more options than buying locally.