Kenya allows certain eligible individuals to import a vehicle duty-free, meaning they pay zero import duty, VAT, excise, and other taxes normally charged at the port — as long as specific conditions are met and the correct documentation is provided.
Who Qualifies for Duty free car imports in Kenya Importation?
There are three main categories of people who may qualify:
- Returning Residents – Kenyan citizens returning home after living abroad.
- Persons With Disability (PWD) who are registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and meet eligibility criteria.
- Diplomats, Expatriates & Special Status Holders (covered in other exemptions), though this guide focuses on returning residents and PWD imports.
Duty-Free Imports for Returning Residents
If you have been living outside Kenya and are now relocating permanently, the government allows you to bring one personal vehicle into Kenya tax-free.
Key Conditions
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Kenyan citizen returning to Kenya permanently after living abroad (usually for at least 2 continuous years).
- Not have spent more than three total months in Kenya during those two years.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Own the vehicle abroad in your name for at least 12 months before importation.
- Ensure the vehicle is no more than 8 years old from the date of first registration.
- Ship the vehicle to Kenya within 90 days of your arrival (extensions may be granted).
- The vehicle must be right-hand drive and compliant with KEBS roadworthiness standards.
Restrictions
- Only one vehicle may be imported duty-free.
- You cannot import buses or vans with more than 13 seats, or vehicles over 2 tonnes payload.
- If your previous country used left-hand drive vehicles, you may need to dispose of that vehicle before importing a right-hand drive replacement.
Required Documentation to Duty free car imports in Kenya
To clear duty-free, you’ll typically need:
- Original passport and proof of residency abroad.
- Proof of vehicle ownership overseas (logbook, invoice).
- Bill of lading/airway bill and commercial invoice.
- Evidence of disposal of any eligible previous vehicle if applicable.
- Letter to the Commissioner of Customs requesting duty waiver.
- KEBS inspection certificates and roadworthiness documentation.
Meeting these requirements increases the chance of a smooth duty-free import process and avoids unexpected taxes or clearance delays.
Duty free car imports in Kenya for Persons With Disability (PWD)
Kenya provides duty exemptions for vehicles imported by registered persons living with disability, aimed at increasing mobility and independence.
What You Need
To qualify, you must:
- Be registered with the National Council for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) and hold a valid disability certificate.
- Provide evidence that the car is intended for personal use only – not for commercial purposes.
- Import only one car every four years, and if previously granted a duty-free exemption, you must provide proof of disposal of the earlier vehicle before requesting another.
Important Notes
- Modification to the vehicle to aid disability is beneficial but not strictly mandatory in all cases.
- You will still need relevant documentation such as the NCPWD card, vehicle invoice, bill of lading, and insurance details.
General Duty-Free Import Requirements
Whether importing as a returning resident or a PWD, you should also consider for Duty free car imports in Kenya
Age & Compliance
- Kenya generally limits duty-free vehicle age to 8 years from first registration.
- Vehicles must pass KEBS roadworthiness inspection and be right-hand drive.
Costs Still Applicable
Even with duty exemption, you may still pay:
- Port handling charges
- Clearance and registration fees
- Insurance and inspection fees
(These are not duty exemptions.)
Why Work With an Expert
Importing a car duty-free involves strict compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), KEBS, and customs regulations. Many first-time importers face delays due to incomplete documentation or misunderstanding rules. Working with experienced import agents can simplify shipping, documentation, and customs clearance — helping ensure your vehicle arrives smoothly and qualifies for the intended duty exemptions.
