Kenya has one of the most structured and layered vehicle import duty systems in East Africa. For buyers sourcing from South Africa, understanding the full cost picture before purchasing is not optional. It is the difference between a well-planned import and an expensive surprise at Mombasa’s Kilindini Harbour.
Many buyers focus on the vehicle purchase price in South Africa and then discover at the KRA clearance stage that the total duty and tax bill rivals or exceeds what they paid for the vehicle itself. This happens because Kenya’s import duty structure is not a single percentage. It is a cascading system of five separate levies, each calculated on a progressively larger base, combined with Mombasa port charges and a QISJ pre-shipment inspection fee that applies before the vehicle even leaves South Africa.
This guide gives you a complete, itemised 2026 cost breakdown for importing a vehicle from South Africa to Kenya. It covers every cost on the South Africa side, the shipping cost from Durban to Mombasa, every KRA levy in sequence with worked examples, and the total port clearance charges at Kilindini Harbour. Two worked examples are provided using the most commonly imported vehicles: the Toyota Hilux Double Cab and the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series.
An Important Note on KRA’s CRSP Valuation in 2026
Before getting into the numbers, buyers need to understand a specific complication in Kenya’s duty calculation that is active in 2026.
KRA released an updated Current Retail Selling Price schedule in July 2025. This is the reference price database KRA uses to value vehicles for duty calculation purposes. However, a court order is understood to have meant that some clearances in 2026 are still being processed under the older 2020 CRSP schedule while the 2025 schedule’s full implementation is resolved legally.
The practical consequence for buyers is that the CRSP value KRA applies to your specific vehicle at clearance may vary depending on which schedule is in effect at the time. The 2025 CRSP schedule has higher benchmark values for many popular models, which means potential buyers could face a larger duty bill than a calculation based on the 2020 schedule would suggest.
Always use the KRA Import Duty Calculator at kra.go.ke to get an estimate specific to your vehicle and confirm with your licensed clearing agent which CRSP schedule is currently being applied before committing to a purchase.
The Two Phases of Kenya Import Cost
Just as with every other SADC and EAC import route, Kenya-bound vehicle costs split into two distinct phases.
Phase one covers everything that happens in South Africa before the vehicle is loaded onto a vessel. This includes the vehicle purchase price, QISJ pre-shipment inspection, police clearance, export documentation, marine insurance, and sea freight to Mombasa.
Phase two covers everything that happens in Kenya after the vessel arrives. This includes all KRA duties and levies, Mombasa port handling charges, clearing agent fees, and NTSA registration.
Both phases must be budgeted before purchasing. Leaving the Kenya-side calculation until after the vehicle has shipped results in no flexibility to change course.
Phase 1: South Africa-Side Costs
Vehicle Purchase Price
South Africa offers a strong range of inventory for Kenya-bound buyers. The two most commonly sourced vehicles for this route are:
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 4×4 (used, 2020 to 2022):
Approximately ZAR 420,000 to ZAR 580,000 depending on mileage, variant, and condition. At a mid-point of ZAR 500,000 and a USD/ZAR rate of approximately 18.5, this equates to roughly USD 27,000.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (used, 2019 to 2021):
Approximately ZAR 600,000 to ZAR 800,000. At a mid-point of ZAR 700,000, this equates to roughly USD 37,800.
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. The USD figures above are indicative for planning purposes only and should be recalculated at current rates at the time of purchase.
Browse verified used inventory available for export through Kalali Motors here: Used Cars
New vehicle options are also available: New Cars
QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection
This is a Kenya-specific cost that does not apply on other routes. From January 2026, every used vehicle imported into Kenya must carry a Certificate of Roadworthiness issued by a QISJ-certified inspector in the export country before shipment. For South Africa-sourced vehicles, this inspection takes place in South Africa before the vehicle is loaded.
Pre-shipment inspection cost: approximately USD 150 to USD 250 per vehicle. Without this certificate, a 15 percent penalty on total import duty applies at Mombasa, which on a mid-range vehicle would far exceed the inspection cost.
For a full explanation of Kenya’s 2026 import rules including the QISJ requirement: How to Import a Car from South Africa to Kenya
Police Clearance and Export Documentation
Every vehicle exported from South Africa requires SAPS police clearance, which takes three to seven working days. Export documentation and SARPCCO clearance for the cross-border movement are also required.
Combined cost for police clearance, SARPCCO clearance, and export documentation when handled through an export facilitator: approximately USD 300 to USD 500.
For a full breakdown of what SARPCCO clearance involves: Complete Guide to SARPCCO Clearance for Vehicle Export from South Africa
For all documents required on the South Africa export side: Documents Required to Export a Car from South Africa
Marine Insurance
Marine insurance is a mandatory cost included in the CIF value that KRA uses for duty calculation. It typically costs between 1 and 2 percent of the vehicle’s value. For a USD 27,000 Hilux, marine insurance adds approximately USD 270 to USD 540.
Sea Freight: Durban to Mombasa
Vehicles from South Africa depart from the Port of Durban and arrive at Mombasa’s Kilindini Harbour. Sea transit takes approximately 10 to 14 days under normal conditions.
Shipping costs in 2026 for a single vehicle:
RORO (Roll-on Roll-off): Approximately USD 900 to USD 1,400 for a standard pickup truck or SUV.
Container shipping (20-foot container): Approximately USD 1,200 to USD 1,800. Container shipping provides better physical protection and is recommended for higher-value vehicles.
For a comparison of both shipping methods: RORO vs Container Shipping from South Africa
South Africa Phase 1 Summary
For a Toyota Hilux Double Cab at USD 27,000 purchase price, using RORO shipping:
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount (USD) |
| Vehicle purchase price | 27,000 |
| QISJ pre-shipment inspection | 200 |
| Police clearance, SARPCCO, export documentation | 400 |
| Marine insurance (approximately 1.5%) | 405 |
| Sea freight Durban to Mombasa (RORO) | 1,100 |
| Total CIF value arriving at Mombasa | 29,105 |
Phase 2: Kenya-Side Costs
How KRA Calculates Duties
Kenya’s duty structure is a cascading calculation. Each levy is applied in sequence and the base grows with each step. KRA uses the higher of the declared CIF value or the KRA CRSP reference value for your specific make, model, year, engine size, and fuel type. As noted above, the CRSP schedule in use at the time of clearance will determine the base value.
The confirmed 2026 KRA duty structure for standard passenger vehicles and pickup trucks is:
| Levy | Rate | Calculation Basis |
| Import Duty | 25% | CIF value (Customs Value) |
| Excise Duty | 20% (engines up to 1,500cc) or 25% (engines above 1,500cc) | CIF + Import Duty |
| VAT | 16% | CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty |
| Import Declaration Fee (IDF) | 3.5% | CIF value |
| Railway Development Levy (RDL) | 2% | CIF value |
Note: The Import Duty rate was updated to 25 percent as of July 2025, reduced from the previous 35 percent. The IDF rate increased to 3.5 percent from the previous 2.25 percent at the same time. These are the rates in effect for 2026.
The official KRA duty calculator is available at kra.go.ke.
Worked Example 1: Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 4×4
Engine size: 2,755cc (above 1,500cc, so excise duty at 25% applies)
Assumed CIF value at Mombasa: USD 29,105 (from Phase 1 calculation above)
KES/USD exchange rate used: 129 (indicative, verify at time of purchase)
CIF value in KES: KES 3,754,545
| KRA Levy | Calculation | Amount (KES) |
| Import Duty (25%) | 3,754,545 x 25% | 938,636 |
| Excise Duty (25% on CIF + Import Duty) | (3,754,545 + 938,636) x 25% | 1,173,295 |
| VAT (16% on CIF + Import Duty + Excise) | (3,754,545 + 938,636 + 1,173,295) x 16% | 938,477 |
| IDF (3.5% of CIF) | 3,754,545 x 3.5% | 131,409 |
| RDL (2% of CIF) | 3,754,545 x 2% | 75,091 |
| Total KRA duties and taxes | 3,256,908 |
In USD at the same rate: approximately USD 25,248.
Total KRA duties on this example represent approximately 87 percent of the CIF value. This is why many Kenyan buyers find that the duty bill approaches or exceeds the vehicle purchase price.
Worked Example 2: Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Single Cab
Engine size: 2,755cc (above 1,500cc, so excise duty at 25% applies)
Assumed CIF value at Mombasa: USD 39,800 (based on USD 37,800 purchase price plus insurance and freight)
CIF value in KES: KES 5,134,200
| KRA Levy | Calculation | Amount (KES) |
| Import Duty (25%) | 5,134,200 x 25% | 1,283,550 |
| Excise Duty (25% on CIF + Import Duty) | (5,134,200 + 1,283,550) x 25% | 1,604,438 |
| VAT (16% on CIF + Import Duty + Excise) | (5,134,200 + 1,283,550 + 1,604,438) x 16% | 1,283,549 |
| IDF (3.5% of CIF) | 5,134,200 x 3.5% | 179,697 |
| RDL (2% of CIF) | 5,134,200 x 2% | 102,684 |
| Total KRA duties and taxes | 4,453,918 |
In USD at the same rate: approximately USD 34,527.
Mombasa Port Handling Charges
In addition to KRA duties, all vehicles at Kilindini Harbour are subject to port handling charges. These are separate from KRA taxes and are paid to the Kenya Ports Authority and related agencies.
Based on confirmed 2026 clearing agent data, standard Mombasa port charges on top of KRA duties are approximately:
| Charge | Amount (KES) |
| Port charge and SGR levy | 120,000 |
| Verification fee | 15,000 |
| Interpol check | 15,000 |
| MSS levy | 2,000 |
| Radiation screening fee | 1,000 |
| NTSA sticker | 800 |
| IDF administrative fee | 2,000 |
| Local transport (Mombasa to Nairobi) | 25,000 |
| Total port and handling charges | 180,800 |
Note that clearing agent fees are additional and typically range from KES 80,000 to KES 120,000 for a standard vehicle clearance.
Important 2026 port context: KRA and the Kenya Ports Authority implemented major operational reforms in January 2026 to decongest Mombasa port, including deployment of additional SGR wagons and the operationalisation of the Naivasha Inland Container Depot as an alternative clearance hub. This has reduced average clearance times for well-documented vehicles in 2026 compared to the previous year. However, Mombasa remains a high-volume port and delays still occur when documentation is incomplete.
NTSA Registration
Following KRA clearance, the vehicle must be registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority. NTSA registration fees are approximately KES 13,800 for a standard vehicle. This is required before the vehicle can be used on Kenyan roads.
Total Landed Cost: End-to-End Summary
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 4×4 (2021, under 8 years)
| Cost Phase | Amount (KES) | Amount (USD approx.) |
| Vehicle purchase price | 3,483,000 | 27,000 |
| South Africa export costs (QISJ, clearance, insurance, freight) | 278,187 | 2,105 |
| Total KRA duties and taxes | 3,256,908 | 25,248 |
| Mombasa port and handling charges | 180,800 | 1,401 |
| Clearing agent fees | 100,000 | 775 |
| NTSA registration | 13,800 | 107 |
| Total estimated landed cost | 7,312,695 | 56,636 |
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Single Cab (2019, under 8 years)
| Cost Phase | Amount (KES) | Amount (USD approx.) |
| Vehicle purchase price | 4,876,200 | 37,800 |
| South Africa export costs | 380,380 | 2,950 |
| Total KRA duties and taxes | 4,453,918 | 34,527 |
| Mombasa port and handling charges | 180,800 | 1,401 |
| Clearing agent fees | 100,000 | 775 |
| NTSA registration | 13,800 | 107 |
| Total estimated landed cost | 10,005,098 | 77,560 |
These figures are estimates based on 2026 confirmed KRA rates, indicative market prices, and a KES/USD rate of 129. The actual duty bill depends on which KRA CRSP schedule is applied at clearance, the exact USD/KES exchange rate at the time of payment, and the clearing agent’s assessment of the vehicle’s customs value. Always calculate using the KRA duty calculator at kra.go.ke and confirm with a licensed Kenyan clearing agent before purchasing.
Why Kenya’s Import Costs Are Higher Than Other EAC Markets
The comparison with Tanzania is instructive. Both countries levy 25 percent import duty on the CIF value. But Kenya’s excise duty at 25 percent for engines above 1,500cc applied to the cumulative CIF plus import duty base, combined with 16 percent VAT on the further accumulated total, creates a significantly higher cascading effect than Tanzania’s structure.
For a side-by-side comparison of duty rates across all SADC and EAC markets: Vehicle Import Duties from South Africa: Complete SADC Country Comparison (2026)
For the equivalent cost breakdown for Tanzania: How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from South Africa to Tanzania?
Key Factors That Affect Your Final Cost
Engine size is the biggest duty variable after purchase price. For vehicles with engines above 1,500cc, excise duty is 25 percent rather than 20 percent. For the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 this means excise duty applies at the higher rate. On a KES 3.75 million CIF value the difference between 20 percent and 25 percent excise duty is approximately KES 234,659 in additional tax.
The CRSP valuation may override your declared CIF. KRA compares the declared CIF value and the CRSP reference value and uses whichever is higher. If you buy the same Hilux at below-market price or if the exchange rate means your ZAR price converts to a lower USD figure than KRA’s benchmark expects, your duty will be calculated on the KRA benchmark, not your invoice. An experienced clearing agent can advise on likely CRSP values before purchase.
8-year age limit is non-negotiable. Kenya enforces the 8-year age restriction strictly from January 2026. A vehicle that is over 8 years old from its first registration date will not be cleared at Mombasa regardless of condition. Always source vehicles registered from January 2019 or later for the 2026 import window.
QISJ inspection penalty. A vehicle arriving at Mombasa without a valid QISJ Certificate of Roadworthiness faces a 15 percent penalty on total import duty. On the Hilux example above, that would be an additional KES 488,537. The inspection cost of USD 150 to USD 250 is one of the most cost-effective investments in the entire process.
Port storage accumulates quickly. Every day a vehicle sits at Kilindini Harbour beyond the free storage period costs demurrage. Having complete documentation ready before the vessel departs South Africa is the most effective cost-control measure available at the port stage.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate Before You Buy
The KRA Import Duty Calculator at kra.go.ke allows buyers to input their specific vehicle make, model, engine size, fuel type, and first registration date to get a KRA-referenced duty estimate before committing to a purchase.
For the South Africa-side costs, Kalali Motors provides a complete cost estimate for any specific vehicle and specification as part of the sourcing process. Combining both figures before purchase gives you a reliable total landed cost to plan against.
For the complete Kenya import process guide covering all steps beyond cost: How to Import a Car from South Africa to Kenya
For the full South Africa export cost breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from South Africa?
How Kalali Motors Supports Kenya-Bound Buyers
Kalali Motors handles the South Africa side of the Kenya import process end to end. This includes vehicle sourcing from a network of over 6,000 verified suppliers, physical inspection, QISJ pre-shipment inspection coordination, SAPS police clearance, export documentation, and shipping to Mombasa.
The team has direct experience with the Durban to Mombasa route and the KRA clearance process, and provides buyers with a pre-purchase cost estimate covering all South Africa-side components. Jubilate Lema, Kalali Motors’ managing director, brings years of cross-border export experience across East and Southern Africa with Kenya being one of the company’s most active destinations.
For the full range of export services: Export Paperwork and Compliance
To discuss a specific vehicle, get a sourcing quote, or request a cost estimate for a Kenya-bound import: Contact Kalali Motors
To browse vehicles currently available for export: Used Cars
Based on 2026 figures, importing a used Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 from 2021 involves a total estimated landed cost of approximately KES 7.3 million or USD 56,000 to USD 58,000. This covers a vehicle purchase price of roughly USD 27,000, South Africa export costs of approximately USD 2,100, KRA duties and taxes of approximately USD 25,000, and Mombasa port clearance and registration costs of approximately USD 2,300. The exact figure depends on the KRA CRSP valuation applied at clearance and the exchange rate at the time.
Import duty is 25 percent of the CIF value. Excise duty is then 20 percent for engines up to 1,500cc or 25 percent for engines above 1,500cc, applied to the combined CIF plus import duty. VAT of 16 percent is applied to the further combined total. An Import Declaration Fee of 3.5 percent and a Railway Development Levy of 2 percent are applied on the original CIF value. The official KRA duty calculator is at kra.go.ke.
KRA uses the higher of the declared CIF value or the CRSP reference value from their vehicle database. If your declared CIF is lower than the KRA CRSP benchmark for that make, model, year, engine, and fuel type, KRA will use the CRSP value. An important complication in 2026 is that there is a court order affecting which CRSP schedule is applied. Confirm with your licensed clearing agent which schedule is currently in use before purchasing.
Standard Mombasa port charges in 2026 include port and SGR levy of KES 120,000, verification fee of KES 15,000, Interpol check of KES 15,000, MSS levy of KES 2,000, radiation fee of KES 1,000, NTSA sticker of KES 800, and local transport. Total port handling charges excluding clearing agent fees are approximately KES 155,800 to KES 180,800 depending on the specific vehicle and logistics arrangement.
A vehicle arriving without a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness from a QISJ-certified inspector in South Africa faces a 15 percent penalty on the total import duty. On a mid-range vehicle this penalty can exceed KES 400,000. The pre-shipment inspection in South Africa costs USD 150 to USD 250 and is one of the most cost-effective steps in the entire import process.
From vehicle purchase to NTSA registration in Kenya, the realistic timeline is 5 to 7 weeks. Police clearance, QISJ inspection, and export documentation in South Africa take approximately 2 weeks. Sea transit from Durban to Mombasa takes 10 to 14 days. KRA clearance and NTSA registration in Kenya add a further 1 to 2 weeks when documentation is complete and accurate on arrival.
