Car Import Duty
KRA duty estimate — Import Duty · Excise · VAT · IDF · Railway Levy · CRSP July 2025 · 4,100+ vehicles
Enter a C&F / CIF price in USD to calculate the importer's landed cost estimate.
Adj_CIF = CIF_KES × dep_factor (age)
LANDED = (Adj_CIF × (1+duty%) + clearing) × (1+fee%)
0yr→100% · 1yr→80% · 2yr→70% · 3yr→60%
4yr→55% · 5yr→50% · 6yr→45% · 7yr→40% · 8yr+→35%
Default rates: Rate: 131 · Duty: 34.5% · Clearing: KES 75,000 · Fee: 3%
Select a vehicle make and model, then set the year of manufacture to calculate duty.
Kenya Car Import Duty Calculator: KRA CRSP, Excise, VAT & Hidden Costs (2025)
Importing a vehicle into Kenya is how most Kenyans acquire affordable cars — Japanese used imports cost 40-60% less than the equivalent new local model. But the tax landscape is notoriously complex: five layered government charges, KRA's CRSP price list, age-based depreciation, excise duty tied to engine size, and clearing fees that vary by agent. Getting it wrong can mean a surprise KES 300,000 extra at the port.
This guide explains every component of the tax calculation, walks through real examples, and shows you how to use the calculator to get an accurate duty estimate before you commit to an auction purchase.
The KRA calculation in plain English
Every imported vehicle goes through this cascade:
- Start with the Customs Value. By default, KRA uses its own CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) list, not what you paid at the Japanese auction. Age-depreciated.
- Add Import Duty (25% for most vehicles, 35% for some categories).
- Add Excise Duty (20-35% depending on engine size and fuel type, computed on Customs Value + Import Duty).
- Add VAT (16%, computed on Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise).
- Add IDF (Import Declaration Fee) — 3.5% of Customs Value.
- Add Railway Development Levy (RDL) — 2% of Customs Value.
The layered structure means each tax compounds on the previous — a 35% tax-on-tax effect that explains why total duty runs well above any single rate.
What is CRSP and why does it matter?
The Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) is KRA's official reference price list, updated periodically (latest: July 2025). It covers 4,100+ specific vehicle models — make, model, engine size, year, trim level. Instead of using what you actually paid at a Japanese auction (which KRA can't verify), they use the CRSP value as a standardized baseline.
Our calculator uses this official schedule. When you select "Toyota Axio 1500cc 2020," we pull the exact CRSP from the July 2025 list, apply the age depreciation, and layer in all taxes.
KRA age depreciation
Not the age from the day you ship it — from first registration in the country of origin. A Japanese car registered in April 2020 being imported in April 2026 is 6 years old per KRA. Depreciation schedule (approximate):
| Age | Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | 100% | Full CRSP |
| 1 year | 90% | 10% off |
| 2 years | 80% | 20% off |
| 3 years | 70% | 30% off |
| 4 years | 60% | 40% off |
| 5 years | 55% | 45% off |
| 6 years | 50% | 50% off |
| 7 years | 40% | 60% off |
| 8 years (max) | 35% | 65% off (floor) |
| Over 8 years | N/A | Import prohibited |
Excise duty: the hidden beast
Excise duty is where the biggest variation happens. Per Finance Act 2023:
| Engine Size & Type | Excise Rate |
|---|---|
| ICE < 1500cc | 20% |
| ICE 1500-3000cc | 25% |
| ICE > 3000cc | 35% |
| Hybrid (petrol-electric) | Same as ICE by engine size |
| Fully Electric (EV) < some kW threshold | 10% (reduced rate) |
| EV above threshold | 25% |
| Luxury/Performance (some categories) | 35% |
A 1500cc Toyota Axio vs a 3000cc Prado has a 15-percentage-point difference in excise alone, layered on top of a higher base CRSP — meaning the Prado costs dramatically more to import in absolute terms.
Worked example: Toyota Axio 1500cc, 2020 model
Let's import a 6-year-old Toyota Axio 1500cc in April 2026.
- KRA CRSP (July 2025, 1500cc Axio): approximately KES 1,600,000
- Age depreciation (6 years): × 0.50 = KES 800,000 customs value
| Item | Calculation | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Value | After depreciation | 800,000 |
| Import Duty | 25% × 800,000 | 200,000 |
| Excise Duty | 20% × (800,000 + 200,000) | 200,000 |
| VAT | 16% × (800,000 + 200,000 + 200,000) | 192,000 |
| IDF | 3.5% × 800,000 | 28,000 |
| RDL | 2% × 800,000 | 16,000 |
| Total KRA duty | 636,000 |
Total duty is ~80% of the depreciated CRSP. If you bought the Axio at Japanese auction for KES 700,000 CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight), your total cost is:
- Auction CIF: KES 700,000
- KRA duties: KES 636,000
- Clearing fees: KES 30,000
- Port handling: KES 25,000
- Transport Mombasa → Nairobi: KES 20,000
- Registration + inspection: KES 15,000
- Landed cost in Nairobi: ~KES 1,426,000
Compare to buying the same 2020 Axio locally from a dealer: KES 1.6-1.8M. You save 10-20% by importing yourself, but at the cost of 2-3 months and significant coordination.
CRSP vs CIF method — which to use
KRA accepts two valuation methods:
Method 2: CRSP (default)
KRA uses its CRSP list. Standardized, predictable, no documentation needed beyond invoice and inspection. Works for 95% of imports.
Method 1: Transaction Value (CIF)
Use your actual Cost + Insurance + Freight value from the auction + shipping. Only accepted with strong documentation:
- Original invoice from the auction house
- Bill of lading from shipping company
- Insurance certificate
- Payment proof (SWIFT transfer)
- KRA discretion — they can reject if CIF looks suspiciously low
Method 1 helps when you bought very cheap (e.g., a beat-up trade-in) or got a great auction deal. For most Kenyan importers, CRSP (Method 2) is simpler and the price is usually similar or lower after depreciation.
Hybrid and electric vehicles
Hybrids (Prius, Camry Hybrid, Nissan Note e-Power) are taxed the same as their ICE equivalents by engine size — no special discount. Despite common belief, hybrid doesn't lower your duty.
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) get reduced excise duty — typically 10% vs 20-35% for ICE. Combined with Kenya's zero import duty on some EV categories under recent reforms, EV total tax runs 40-50% of CRSP versus 75-120% for ICE. If you're considering an EV and can live with the limited charging infrastructure, the tax advantage is significant.
Beyond KRA duty: the other costs
Don't forget to budget for:
- Clearing agent fee: KES 15,000-40,000 depending on complexity and agent
- Port storage: After day 4, ~KES 1,000/day until cleared. Clear within 3-5 days of arrival
- Inspection at origin: JEVIC or QISJ certificate, KES 15,000-20,000
- Transport: Mombasa to Nairobi typically KES 15,000-25,000 (depends on driver availability)
- NTSA registration: KES 1,500-5,000 for new plates
- Insurance: Comprehensive 3-5% of vehicle value annually
- First service: Any imported used vehicle benefits from oil, filter, coolant change — KES 8,000-15,000
Budget KES 70,000-120,000 in "other fees" on top of the KRA calculation. Don't let surprise costs blow your budget.
Best vehicles to import into Kenya in 2025
Based on total landed cost, reliability, fuel economy, and resale:
Under KES 1M total landed cost
- Toyota Vitz/Yaris 1000-1300cc — cheap to import, reliable, perfect city car
- Honda Fit 1300-1500cc — slightly roomier, similar price
- Nissan March 1200cc — excellent fuel economy
KES 1-1.5M total
- Toyota Axio 1500cc — the Kenyan favorite, parts everywhere, bulletproof engine
- Honda Grace Hybrid — 22-25 km/L, great resale
- Nissan Note e-Power — clever hybrid drivetrain, torquey
KES 1.5-2.5M total
- Toyota Premio 1500cc — bigger than Axio, more features
- Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid — wagon practicality, hybrid economy
- Mazda Demio — sportier handling
KES 2.5-4M total
- Toyota Harrier — SUV comfort, Lexus-adjacent build quality
- Subaru Forester/Outback — AWD for rural roads
- Toyota Prado 2700cc — ultimate all-terrain, expensive to feed
Common import mistakes
- Not checking the 8-year rule. Buying a vehicle that's 7.5 years old at auction and takes 4 months to arrive = rejected at port.
- Ignoring trim-level variation in CRSP. A Toyota Axio G comes in different variants (G, Luxel, X), each with a different CRSP. Confirm the exact trim from the auction sheet before running the calculator.
- Budgeting only the auction price. "I can get this for KES 600K!" — plus another 900K in duties and fees. Always run the calculator first.
- Using unverified agents. Save KES 5,000 on an agent; lose KES 50,000 through mistakes. Use established, reviewed clearing agents.
- Ignoring maintenance realities. Japanese imports sometimes need immediate repairs (timing belts, brake pads, suspension bushings) that the auction didn't highlight. Budget KES 30-60K for first post-import service.
- Forgetting the exchange rate. Auction prices are typically in yen or USD. KES/USD rate fluctuations can add or subtract 5-10% of total cost between auction day and shipping day.
Related calculators
- Loan Calculator — model a car loan (13-16% typical) for imported vehicles
- Smart Budget Planner — fit the new car into your monthly budget
- Net Salary Calculator — confirm your affordability
- Passive Income Calculator — compare buying a car vs investing the same capital
Car imports are one of the largest financial decisions most Kenyans make — often second only to housing. Running this calculator for 5 minutes before committing to an auction saves hundreds of thousands in surprise costs and helps you compare true landed prices across different vehicles. Get the math right, then enjoy the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CRSP and why does it matter?
CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) is KRA's reference price list for imported vehicles. Instead of using your actual purchase price for duty calculation, KRA uses the CRSP value (depreciated for age). This is the single most important input — our calculator uses the official KRA CRSP July 2025 schedule covering 4,100+ vehicle models.
What duties apply to imported cars in Kenya?
Five layered charges: Import Duty 35% (EAC CET for HS 8703 passenger cars) · Excise Duty 20-35% (varies by engine size and fuel type) · VAT 16% (on customs value + import duty + excise) · IDF 2.5% (Import Declaration Fee, per Finance Act 2023) · Railway Development Levy 2%. Together typically 75-120% of CRSP value.
How are hybrid and electric vehicles taxed?
Hybrids are taxed the same as equivalent ICE vehicles by engine size (no special rate). Fully electric vehicles get reduced excise duty (typically 10% vs 20-35% for ICE) and are exempt from some fuel-related fees — making total tax roughly 40-50% of CRSP for EVs vs 75-120% for ICE.
What is KRA age depreciation?
KRA reduces the CRSP value based on vehicle age: Year 1: 100% of CRSP · Year 2: 90% · Then roughly 10% drop per year down to a floor of 35% at 8+ years. This matters because duty is calculated on the depreciated value.
Is the duty the only cost to import a car?
No. Add: clearing fees (KES 15,000-40,000 depending on agent), port handling (KES 20,000-30,000), transport to Nairobi (KES 15,000-25,000 from Mombasa port), registration (KES 1,500-5,000), inspection (JEVIC or QISJ: KES 15,000-20,000 at origin). Expect KES 70,000-120,000 in other fees on top of duty.
What's the difference between CIF and CRSP methods?
CRSP method (Method 2, default): KRA uses its CRSP list. Best for most imports because it's standardized. CIF/Method 1: Uses your actual Cost+Insurance+Freight value. Only accepted when you have strong documentation and the CIF is clearly higher than CRSP. For auction-sourced Japanese imports, CRSP usually wins.
Can I import a car older than 8 years?
No. Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit on imported private vehicles (e.g., a 2017 model cannot be imported in 2026). This is measured from first registration date, not manufacture date. Trying to import an older car will be rejected at the port.
How accurate is this calculator?
We use the official KRA CRSP schedule (July 2025) with 4,100+ models, Finance Act 2023 excise rates, and current duty structures. Typical accuracy: within 5% of final KRA assessment. Variances come from optional extras (AC, leather), port-specific adjustments, and the exchange rate used on the import day (KRA uses weekly rates).