Kenya requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for standard passenger imports under KRA and KEBS rules, with a strict 8-year age limit and mandatory KEBS PVoC pre-shipment inspection for vehicles entering Mombasa port. Korean domestic-market vehicles are normally left-hand drive, so SH GLOBAL only quotes Kenya shipments where a compliant RHD unit is available or where a valid special-purpose waiver or regulatory approval applies. Effective duty stack is ~25% import duty + 20% excise + 16% VAT + IDF + RDL, and case-by-case landed costs typically run $14,000-$22,000 depending on FOB and KRA customs valuation.
RHD-compliant Korean wholesale inventory shipped to Mombasa with full KEBS PVoC support, documentation, and clearing-agent coordination. Case-by-case sourcing — confirm availability before paying a deposit.
Browse Inventory WhatsApp UsWhile Japan dominates Kenya's used car market, Korean vehicles offer fresher designs, better technology, and often lower prices for equivalent specifications. A smart alternative for savvy buyers.
Kenya's 8-year age limit means only recent vehicles can be imported. Korean cars from 2018+ come packed with modern safety and tech features standard — great value within the age limit.
Hyundai has official presence in Kenya through CFAO Motors. Kia dealerships are expanding in Nairobi. Parts availability is improving rapidly for Korean vehicles across East Africa.
Korean engines are designed for maximum fuel economy — critical given Kenya's fuel prices. Many models available in both gasoline and diesel, with hybrid options growing.
Compact SUV with excellent ground clearance for Kenyan roads. Available in diesel for fuel economy and gasoline for smooth power. Modern design turns heads in Nairobi.
View Hyundai Inventory →Feature-rich SUV competing directly with the popular Toyota RAV4. Advanced safety systems, spacious interior, and strong value proposition for Kenyan buyers.
View Kia Inventory →Premium mid-size SUV with 7-seat option. Diesel AWD variant is perfect for Kenya's diverse terrain — from Nairobi highways to upcountry roads.
View Hyundai Inventory →Full-size 7-seater with powerful diesel engine. Rugged enough for safari country, refined enough for city driving. Excellent alternative to the Prado at a fraction of the price.
View Kia Inventory →Budget-friendly compact SUVs perfect for Nairobi commuters. Small engines mean lower import duty and excellent fuel economy while still offering SUV practicality.
View Hyundai Inventory →Important — RHD compliance: Kenya drives on the left and requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for standard passenger imports under KRA and KEBS rules. Korean domestic-market vehicles are normally left-hand drive, so SH GLOBAL only quotes Kenya shipments when a compliant RHD unit is available or where a valid special-purpose waiver or regulatory approval applies. See "RHD Sourcing Process for Kenya" below for details — confirm RHD availability and eligibility before paying a deposit.
| Charge | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% | On CIF or CRSP (whichever higher) |
| Excise Duty | 20% | On vehicles 1,500cc+ (varies by engine size) |
| VAT | 16% | On (CIF + duty + excise) |
| IDF Fee | 3.5% | Import Declaration Fee (min KES 5,000) |
| RDL | 2.5% | Railway Development Levy |
Note: Kenya uses the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) system. Duty is calculated on the CRSP or CIF value, whichever is higher. CRSP is set by KRA for each vehicle model/year.
Disclaimer: Kenya 8-year age limit (calculated from year of manufacture, KEBS-verified), import duty (25% on CIF), excise tax brackets by engine, IDF, RDL, and railway development levy are reviewed periodically. The figures above reflect rates as of 2026-05. Always verify current rates with Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs Department) or your Mombasa-based clearing agent before shipping.
Kenya requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for standard passenger imports. Korean domestic-market vehicles are normally left-hand drive, so SH GLOBAL only quotes Kenya shipments when a compliant RHD unit is available or where a valid special-purpose waiver or regulatory approval applies.
We support Kenya buyers through three case-by-case sourcing routes:
Typical sourcing time is 6-12 weeks, plus 4-5 weeks shipping to Mombasa. RHD-compliant units may carry an 8-15% premium versus standard Korean LHD inventory. Confirm eligibility, age limit, KEBS inspection, taxes, and registration requirements with KRA/KEBS or your clearing agent before paying a deposit.
Disclaimer: Kenya import rules can change. Confirm RHD eligibility, age limit, KEBS inspection, and tax calculation with KRA/KEBS or your clearing agent before payment. References: Kenya Revenue Authority (kra.go.ke) · Kenya Bureau of Standards / PVoC scheme (kebs.org).
| Method | Route | Transit Time | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Busan → Mombasa | 3-4 weeks | $900-1,400 |
| Container (20ft) | Busan → Mombasa | 3-4 weeks | $1,800-2,800 |
| Container (40ft) | Busan → Mombasa (2-3 vehicles) | 3-4 weeks | $3,000-4,200 |
Mombasa port is East Africa's busiest port and Kenya's main vehicle import hub. RoRo shipping is the most common and economical method for single vehicles. Transit time from Korea is shorter than from Europe or the Americas.
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration. A vehicle first registered in January 2019 can be imported until December 2026. SH GLOBAL ensures all exported vehicles comply with this requirement.
Korean domestic-market vehicles are normally left-hand drive (LHD). Kenya drives on the left and requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for standard passenger imports under KRA and KEBS rules. SH GLOBAL only quotes Kenya shipments where a compliant RHD unit is available or where a valid special-purpose waiver or regulatory approval applies. See the RHD Sourcing Process section above for the three case-by-case routes we use.
All vehicles imported to Kenya must be inspected before shipping by a KEBS-appointed agent (JEVIC, QISJ, etc.). The inspection verifies the vehicle's age, condition, roadworthiness, and emission compliance. SH GLOBAL coordinates this inspection in Korea.
Total landed cost includes: vehicle price + shipping ($900-2,800) + customs duties (~60-70% of CRSP). For a $10,000 vehicle, expect total cost of approximately $18,000-22,000 depending on the CRSP assigned by KRA.
Approximately 3-4 weeks via RoRo or container from Busan. Port clearance at Mombasa typically takes 1-2 weeks with proper documentation. Total delivery time is 4-6 weeks.
Yes. After clearing customs at Mombasa, vehicles can be transported to Nairobi by road or rail (SGR). SH GLOBAL can connect you with local logistics partners for the Mombasa-Nairobi leg.
Yes. Hyundai has official dealer presence through CFAO Motors in Nairobi. Aftermarket parts for Hyundai and Kia are available in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and other auto markets. Availability is growing rapidly.
Indicative landed costs in Mombasa for compact-to-midsize RHD-compliant units typically run $14,000-$22,000 case-by-case, depending on FOB price, engine size, and KRA customs valuation. The 2026 tax stack is approximately 25% import duty + 20% excise + 16% VAT + IDF + RDL + KEBS PVoC + clearing — roughly 50% effective rate over CIF. Use the calculator below for an indicative estimate; confirm final rates with KRA/KEBS or your clearing agent before paying a deposit.
Kenya restricts used vehicle imports to 8 years from year of manufacture. The Year of Manufacture (YOM) is verified by KEBS via the JEVIC or QISJ pre-export inspection. A vehicle manufactured in 2018 is eligible through end of 2026 (the 8th year from 2018 = 2026). Always confirm the current PVoC interpretation with your clearing agent.
Three case-by-case routes: (1) RHD export-market Korean units — Hyundai/Kia models originally produced for the UK, Australia, or South Africa that occasionally circulate through Korean wholesale channels. (2) Japan-spec RHD stock — Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia units sourced through verified auction or wholesale channels when Kenya-compliant inventory is available. (3) Special-purpose cases — embassy, NGO, mining-fleet, project, or diplomatic vehicles only where KEBS/KRA requirements and clearing-agent confirmation support import eligibility. RHD availability is case-by-case — confirm before paying a deposit.
Step-by-step from FOB selection (RHD inventory) in Korea to NTSA registration in Nairobi — KEBS PVoC, IDF, and common rejection reasons.
How 25% duty + 20% excise + 16% VAT stack on CDV for passenger cars, and which engine brackets save money.
BRN lookup, B/L verification, escrow alternatives, and red flags to walk away from.
For East-Africa buyers also weighing West Africa landing (Lagos) — duty comparison and shipping cadence.
Volume, top models, and price trajectory across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What to compare when shortlisting an exporter: licensing, inspection rigor, payment safety, port access, language coverage.
FOB price + ocean freight + customs duty + VAT + local fees. Get an instant ballpark estimate for any Korean vehicle imported to Kenya, based on 2026 published rates. Free, no signup.
Open Calculator →Result includes pre-filled WhatsApp message so you can request an exact quote in one tap.
Contact SH GLOBAL today. We handle everything from vehicle selection to delivery at Mombasa port. Free consultation available.
Learn more about buying and exporting Korean used cars
How to Buy Guide Full Inventory Export to Nigeria Export to Dubai