Import Cars to Kenya from Japan

Everything you need to import a used car from Japan to Kenya — the age rule, shipping options, taxes and the vehicles currently available at a fixed One Price. Vehicles under 8 years old qualify — model year 2019 or newer for 2026.

Kenya Import Regulations

Shipping & Logistics

Steering: Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) is permitted. Left-hand drive vehicles are strictly prohibited by law.
Ports: Mombasa (RoRo and container). Nairobi and inland towns by road.
Inspection: Mandatory QISJ inspection before shipping (QISJ is the inspection company appointed by KEBS); its Certificate of Roadworthiness is needed for customs clearance.
Documents: No import permit is needed, but the importer needs a KRA PIN and an Import Declaration Form (IDF) lodged through KenTrade.

Customs & Costs

Age & Import Restrictions (CRITICAL)

Age Limit: 8 years counted from the date of first registration: from 1 January 2026 only right-hand drive vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 2019 may be imported (KEBS, KS 1515:2000; Legal Notice No. 78 of 2020). Heavy machinery exempt.

Disclaimer

The import regulations, taxes, and age restrictions provided below are gathered from public internet sources for general guidance only. We do not bear any legal responsibility for the accuracy of this information. It is your sole responsibility to verify how to clear customs, homologate, and register the vehicle in your country. We are only responsible for shipping the vehicle to your requested port.

Frequently asked questions

Kenya requires imported vehicles to be under 8 years old. In 2026 that means a model year of 2019 or newer.

Yes. Every order includes Japanese export de-registration, the English export certificate, marine insurance and shipping from Japan to Kenya by RORO or container. Our export team prepares the documents your customs broker needs.

Each vehicle ships with the original Japanese auction sheet, our own inspection report with photos, and the export certificate. Mileage and condition are stated as recorded at the Japanese auction.