After a 6 year wait, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has finally released the new Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list for used motor vehicles. This will change the way car import taxes are calculated in the country.
This 2025 revision is the first major overhaul since 2019 and comes at a time of significant economic changes, currency fluctuations and new vehicle models in the Kenyan market.
What is the CRSP List and Why Does It Matter?
The CRSP list is a tool used by KRA to determine how much tax you pay when importing a used vehicle into Kenya. It takes into account a vehicle’s make, model, engine size and now—more accurately—detailed specs like trim levels and performance features.
This list affects the import duty, excise duty and VAT on imported cars.
So whether you are an individual buyer or a car dealer, this new list is the total cost of bringing your vehicle to Kenya.
Why the CRSP Update Was Long Overdue
The last comprehensive CRSP revision was done in 2019 and since then:
- The Kenyan shilling has weakened from KSh100 to over KSh130 against the US dollar
- Excise duty and import taxes have gone up
- New car models and trims have entered the market
- Global vehicle prices and valuation trends have changed
KRA had attempted to revise in 2020 but legal challenges stalled the implementation. This time they have taken a more collaborative and data driven approach.
What’s New in the 2025 CRSP List?
✅ Over 5,200 Vehicle Models
The number of models has grown from about 3,000 to over 5,200 reflecting the wider variety of used cars coming into the Kenyan market.
✅ Detailed Vehicle Specifications
The updated list goes beyond basic attributes like engine size. It now includes trim levels, safety features, drive type (AWD, FWD, etc.), and performance specs making tax valuation more accurate and fair.
✅ Based on WTO and EAC Guidelines
The valuation system follows international trade standards set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional laws under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004.## Stakeholder Input
KRA says the update was done with input from industry players:
- Kenya Auto Bazaar Association
- Car Importers Association of Kenya
- Other stakeholders in the auto sector
This collaborative approach helped the authority address long standing valuation issues and bring more transparency to the process.
What About the Missing Models?
KRA admits there are gaps in the list especially for newer or rare models not well documented in traditional sources like Japanese Yearbooks or Goo-net. But they will continue to update the database with technical experts and data providers.
What This Means for You
If you’re in the car import business or planning to bring in a used vehicle from abroad, this new CRSP list means:
- Higher or more accurate taxes depending on your vehicle’s specs
- Less room for valuation disputes at the port
- More predictability when calculating your total landing cost
It also signals increased scrutiny and tighter alignment of taxes with real-time market values, so transparency is set to improve.
KRA’s Final Word
According to the taxman the new CRSP list will reduce tax disputes, improve compliance and ensure fairer assessments in line with current market conditions.
With the Kenyan auto market changing all the time this update is timely and necessary.