Across Kenya, more buyers are skipping the traditional “yard car” and choosing to import directly. The conversation isn’t just about price anymore; it’s about trust, documentation, and post-sale support. Recent crackdowns on vehicle theft syndicates and widely reported number-plate backlogs have only pushed the debate further into the mainstream. dci.go.keThe Standard
This guide unpacks why importing is gaining ground, the genuine risks that exist with both options, and a practical checklist to help you buy confidently—whether you choose a yard or go the import route.
Why more Kenyans are importing
Choice & transparency. Importing opens access to hundreds of trims and grades (especially ex-Japan), often with auction sheets and pre-export inspections. KEBS requires pre-export verification of used vehicles to Kenyan standards (KS 1515), and in 2025 it moved to validate inspection and ownership documents before clearance—raising the quality bar at the port. Kenya Bureau of StandardsCitizen Digital
Market reality. Kenya is structurally a used-vehicle market. Policy research shows imports dwarf local assembly and new-car sales; Reuters has reported that used imports historically account for the vast majority of purchases. That structural tilt makes importing feel “normal” to many buyers, not niche. KIPPRA PPRReuters
Price control (with caveats). Importing lets you see the cost stack—CIF, duty, excise, VAT, levies—upfront. You’re less exposed to opaque mark-ups and “reconditioning” fees sometimes baked into yard prices. (We break down a sample tax calculation below.)
The yard concerns Kenyans keep raising
It’s important to be fair: many yards are reputable and add real value (financing, quick delivery, and warranties). But the pattern of complaints you’ll hear locally tends to cluster around three issues:
- Security red flags (duplicate keys, trackers, reprogramming).
DCI reports a sharp rise in vehicle theft since 2024. In multiple operations this year, detectives arrested suspects and recovered stolen vehicles; tools found included key-programming devices and tampered tracking units. Whether a car is imported or bought locally, the risk is the same: if someone else retains a working key or access to your tracker account, your car is vulnerable. The lesson is not that “all yards are bad,” but that post-purchase hardening (key re-programming, tracker control) is essential. dci.go.keKenyans - Unlicensed tracking providers.
Kenyans love trackers for insurance and peace of mind, but the Communications Authority has warned against unlicensed providers. If your tracker is provisioned under a third party’s account—or by an unlicensed firm—you may not truly control who can see the car’s location. - After-sales inertia (plates & paperwork).
When plate supply hit turbulence in 2024–2025, many buyers waited weeks (or longer) for registration and plates—sometimes with their cars parked “until plates arrive.” NTSA later said backlogs were being cleared and urged motorists to collect processed plates, but the episode exposed how dependent buyers can be on a dealer’s follow-through. Soko Directory
What importing really costs (2025): a simple, Kenya-specific example
Kenya applies five main charges on used vehicle imports: Import Duty (25%), Excise Duty (rate varies; 20% for ≤1500cc and higher for larger engines), VAT (16%), Railway Development Levy (2.5%), and Import Declaration Fee (3.5%). All are computed from the customs value with specific formulas. Always confirm current rates on KRA before you pay.
Illustrative calculation (not a quotation):
Assume a CIF value of KSh 1,000,000 for a 1.5-litre sedan.
- Import Duty = 25% of CIF = KSh 250,000
- Excise Duty (20% for ≤1500cc) = 20% of (CIF + Import Duty) = 20% of 1,250,000 = KSh 250,000
- Railway Development Levy = 2.5% of CIF = KSh 25,000
- Import Declaration Fee = 3.5% of CIF = KSh 35,000
- VAT = 16% of (CIF + Import Duty + Excise + RDL + IDF) = 16% of 1,560,000 = KSh 249,600
Total taxes/levies: ≈ KSh 809,600 (before port charges, clearing, NTSA fees, and plates). Use this framework to compare like-for-like with a yard quote.
Two quick Kenyan Examples
The direct-import buyer (Mombasa clearance).
A Nairobi buyer orders a 2017 1.5L sedan ex-Japan. The car passes pre-export inspection and arrives with an inspection certificate; KEBS’ 2025 validation rules mean documents are verified before clearance, reducing risk of forged paperwork. End-to-end takes 6–10 weeks including shipping, clearing, and registration. Pros: clearer cost stack, vehicle history, and choice. Cons: forex risk, waiting time, and the need for a trusted clearing agent. Citizen Digital
The yard buyer (instant gratification, delayed plates).
A buyer in Eldoret walks into a yard and pays for a compact SUV, counting on the dealer to handle TIMS transfer and plates. During the 2025 backlog, some dealers reported delays in delivering cars purely because plates weren’t ready; NTSA later urged motorists to collect the plates already processed to clear queues. Pros: you can touch/drive the car, take delivery faster, and sometimes get financing. Cons: you rely on the dealer’s follow-through and transparency. Soko Directory
Due-diligence checklist (works for both import and yard)
1) Lock down the car’s identity and history.
- Verify pre-export inspection (KEBS/appointed agents) for used imports; confirm chassis and mileage details match. Kenya Bureau of Standards
- For local purchases, ask for the import documents (Bill of Lading, inspection certificate) and cross-check chassis numbers.
2) Control the keys & tracker on day one.
- Reprogram or recode keys immediately after purchase; insist on all key fobs and the key-code tag.
- If a tracker is installed, make sure the account is registered to you, change credentials, and confirm the provider is licensed in Kenya. If you prefer, uninstall any dealer-installed tracker and fit one you control.
3) Own your NTSA process (don’t outsource entirely).
- Create/verify your NTSA TIMS/eCitizen account yourself; see that the transfer hits your account for approval before you release the final balance.
- Track plate and logbook issuance directly on your account; NTSA lists vehicle services and updates online. ntsa.go.ke+1
4) Budget correctly for taxes and fees.
- Use KRA’s structure to estimate your total landed cost (duty, excise, VAT, RDL, IDF) and add clearing, registration, and plates. Never pay on a “lump sum” promise without a line-item breakdown.
5) Prefer traceable businesses.
- Whether it’s a yard or an import agent, look for a physical address, written sale agreement, KRA PIN on the invoice, and consistent customer references. Avoid cash-only arrangements.
6) Embrace the new plates & keep records.
- The government is rolling out new-generation number plates with enhanced security features; apply and collect promptly when notified to avoid backlogs. Keep copies of all receipts and approvals. The Star
So…which route should you take?
- Import if you want maximum choice and transparency and you’re comfortable managing the process (or you have a trusted agent). The KEBS framework and KRA tax transparency make it easier to understand what you’re paying for—though you must plan for timelines and forex. Kenya Bureau of Standards
- Buy from a yard if you need quick delivery, prefer physical inspection, or want financing/warranty support. Just be proactive: demand full documentation, complete TIMS transfer before final payment, and secure the car (keys and tracker) immediately after purchase. ntsa.go.ke
Final word
The emerging tilt toward importing reflects a sensible search for control and value—not a blanket indictment of yards. Kenya’s regulators have tightened inspection, document validation, and plate security; law enforcement is actively disrupting theft networks. If you combine that progress with your own due diligence—especially around keys, trackers, and TIMS ownership—you can buy confidently either way. Citizen Digitaldci.go.keThe Star
Editor’s note: This article offers general guidance. Always verify current tax rates and procedures with KRA/NTSA and work with licensed providers for tracking and clearing.