Import/ Buy a Duty Free Car
Can I Import A Duty-Free Car?
If you are a diplomat or expatriate stationed in Kenya, it is possible to import a vehicle duty free. Most international organizations such as the UN and its affiliated bodies, Embassies, consulates and NGOs enjoy this privilege as part of an MOU with the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Each of these organizations has a protocol office that helps with duty-free imports among other things.
What Do I Need To Do to Import a Duty-Free Car?
Confirm your Eligibility
As a rule of thumb, you will be required to import a car within the first year upon your arrival in Kenya.
However, it is advisable to check with your protocol office for a definite timeline as it may differ with organizations.
Each organization has a protocol office that assists with the paperwork and necessary approvals at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How many vehicles can I import duty-free?
Typically, you can import one vehicle for yourself and one for your spouse.
Depending on the organization that you work for, you may choose to sell or pay import taxes on your vehicle after four years, upon which you will be eligible to import another duty-free.
What documentation do I need to import a car to Kenya duty-free?
- The original vehicle documents which include the Bill of Lading, Japanese export certificate and its English translation, the KEBS QISJ Inspection certificate and a commercial invoice. These will be provided by your import agent.
- The duty exemption document (Pro 1B)
- Your diplomatic passport
- Your KRA PIN
- An active NTSA e-citizen account for purposes of vehicle registration.
Can I buy a car that is already in Kenya or must I import?
Buying a car that is locally available while not entirely impossible, may not be easy. To qualify for duty exemption and obtain the Pro 1B, the car and its related documentation must be in your name. This may not be possible if the vehicle is already in the country, as it will have already come in through a different name.
Similarly, it may be difficult to find a duty unpaid vehicle, given that taxes must be paid for it to leave the port of Mombasa.
The best advice is to import directly as this is not only straightforward but also allows you to select a vehicle of your choice from a large pool in Japanese auctions.
Okay I understand. I want to import a car duty free, where do I start?
The first step is to identify a trusted import agent such as Croton Motors. The import agent should help you sort through the available options vis a vis your preferences.
Some of the things to consider when importing a car to Kenya are:
- How you will use- is it a town car or you plan to go off road often?
- Size- do you need a small car, a mid-SUV or an SUV?
- Budget- how much do you want to spend on the vehicle
- Specifications- what matters to you in a vehicle, think color, engine size, sunroof, etc.
At Croton Motors, we understand that navigating the duty-free car importation process in Kenya can be overwhelming—especially for Diplomats, Expatriates and Returning Residents unfamiliar with local procedures. That’s where we come in. With years of experience and deep knowledge of protocol requirements, we walk with you from start to finish—helping you select the perfect vehicle from trusted Japanese auctions, handling all necessary documentation, and ensuring smooth clearance under your duty-free status. Let Croton Motors be your reliable partner in making your car ownership journey in Kenya simple, transparent, and stress-free.
