Diplomats and expatriates stationed in Kenya, particularly those affiliated with international organizations like the UN, embassies, consulates, and NGOs, are eligible to import a vehicle duty-free. It is advisable to confirm your eligibility with your organization's protocol office.

The first step is to confirm your eligibility. Generally, you should import a car within the first year of your arrival in Kenya. Check with your organization’s protocol office for specific timelines.

Typically, you can import one vehicle for yourself and one for your spouse. After four years, depending on your organization, you may sell or pay taxes to import another vehicle duty-free.

• Original vehicle documents (Bill of Lading, Japanese export certificate + English translation, KEBS QISJ Inspection certificate, commercial invoice).
• Duty exemption document (Pro 1B).
• Your diplomatic passport.
• Your KRA PIN.
• Active NTSA e-citizen account for vehicle registration.

It’s possible but harder to qualify for duty exemption with local cars. Documentation must be in your name. Direct import is smoother and offers wider selection.

Begin by identifying a trusted import agent, such as Croton Motors, who can assist you in selecting a vehicle based on your preferences, including usage, size, budget, and specifications.

Yes, you can sell your duty-free vehicle, but you must pay the relevant taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) before transferring ownership. The seller or buyer can pay these taxes based on their agreement.

The entire process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important to plan ahead, especially if you are leaving the country.

Confirm the taxes payable for your vehicle early in the process to help determine your selling price. You can choose to sell the vehicle inclusive or exclusive of taxes.

Selling to another buyer with duty-free privileges is possible but comes with strict requirements. This will be covered in a separate article. Feel free to reach out to your protocol office or a trusted import agent for further assistance with the import or sale of your duty-free vehicle in Kenya.

A returning resident is a Kenyan citizen who has lived abroad for at least two years and is now returning to Kenya permanently. To qualify, you must not have spent more than three months in Kenya within those two years.

The privilege is extended to returning Kenyans from right-hand drive countries such as the USA, Canada, China, and many parts of Europe. Those from left-hand drive countries like the UK can also qualify, provided the vehicle meets the set conditions.

You must meet the following conditions:

• Vehicle must be less than 8 years old and compliant with KEBS inspection standards.
• You must prove you owned the vehicle abroad for at least 12 months.
• Provide evidence of vehicle disposal (e.g. sales agreement or transfer documents).
• The new vehicle must not exceed the value or engine capacity of the one disposed of.
• The imported vehicle must be of the same category (engine size, type, year).
• Vehicle must not exceed 13 seats or carry more than 2 tons.
• You must be over 18 years and returning to Kenya permanently.

No. You cannot import:

• A bus or van with more than 13 seats
• A load-carrying vehicle with over 2-ton capacity
• You must import a vehicle that matches the category, make, and engine size of the one you owned abroad.

If the exact make or model is not available, you are allowed to import a vehicle with similar specifications. However, this may lead to additional scrutiny or negotiations with customs at the port of Mombasa.

Yes! At Croton Motors, we specialize in helping returning residents import, clear, and deliver duty-free vehicles to their doorstep. We handle the paperwork, inspections, and liaise with KRA on your behalf.