Did You Know? Duty-Free Cars in Kenya Have Special Diplomatic Number Plates
Are you curious about those vehicles in Kenya with number plates starting with “CD” or “UN”? These are not ordinary cars. They are duty-free vehicles owned by diplomats or international organizations like the United Nations (UN).
Understanding these special diplomatic plates can help you if you’re an expatriate in Kenya looking to buy, sell, or ship a duty-free car.
🔍 What Do “CD” and “UN” Plates Mean in Kenya?
- “CD” Plates – Short for Corps Diplomatique/ Shows it’s for a Chartered Diplomat:
- Issued to foreign diplomats and embassy staff in Kenya.
- Typically formatted as Number+ CD + Rank of the Car Owner + Vehicle Number+ K (e.g.,1 CD 00 123K).
- In this case 1 is the code for the diplomat’s country , CD is to show for a Chartered Diplomat, 00 shows which Embassy it is allocated to depending on the rank of the car owner then, at the end is K which means the Embassy is based in Kenya.
- Each diplomatic mission is assigned a unique code by the Kenyan government.
- “UN” Plates – Issued to:
- Staff working under United Nations agencies and affiliated international organizations.
- These vehicles enjoy duty-free privileges and are easily identifiable through their UN-numbered plates.
🛃 Why Do Duty-Free Vehicles in Kenya Have Special Plates?
Duty-free cars for diplomats and UN staff are protected under international agreements such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. These agreements grant certain rights and exemptions, including:
- Tax exemption on vehicle importation,
- Legal immunities, such as exemption from search and seizure,
- Easy recognition by law enforcement and customs.
These number plates act as a visual cue for the car’s diplomatic status and tax-free nature.
🔄 Can Diplomats Sell Duty-Free Vehicles in Kenya?
Yes—but there are conditions:
- The duty-free vehicle cannot be sold tax-free to a regular Kenyan resident.
- A clearance process is required via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The new buyer must pay prorated import duties, depending on how long the vehicle has been in use.
- Once sold, the diplomatic plates are removed, and the car is registered under a normal Kenyan plate.
✅ Summary: Diplomatic Cars, Duty-Free Privileges, and Unique Plates in Kenya
If you’re an expatriate, diplomat, or international staff living in Kenya, owning a duty-free car comes with unique benefits. From tax exemptions to specialized plates, these vehicles are part of a global framework that recognizes the mobility of international professionals.
So the next time you see a vehicle with a “CD” or “UN” plate, remember—it represents more than just transportation. It’s a reflection of international diplomacy, tax privileges, and special vehicle registration in Kenya.
