Importing a car from China to Kenya: full landed-cost guide 2026
Duties, VAT, who can import, what gets in, shipping — and the DDP price of 30 popular Chinese models in Kenya, computed by our rules engine with sources and verification dates.
Who can import and what gets in
- ⛔ Right-hand drive only: China-market LHD cars cannot be imported — needs the RHD version
- • Age limit 8 years
- • Who can import: Individuals and companies can import; a KRA PIN is required and clearance goes through a licensed agent
- • Pre-shipment inspection: KEBS PVoC (0.6%, min $300)
- • Used EVs: battery health ≥80%
- • Customs taxes on the KRA CRSP reference price, not the invoice
Tax rules and sources
- Duty 25% + excise 20% (≤1500 cc) / 25% (>1500 cc) + VAT 16% + IDF 3.5% + RDL 2% ↗ official 2026-09-02
- Age ≤8 years; right-hand drive ↗ verified 2026-09-02
- KEBS PVoC pre-shipment inspection: used cars 0.6% of customs value, min $300, max $3,500; used EVs need battery state of health ≥80% certified by a KEBS-approved body ↗ official 2026-09-05
Right-hand-drive market (KRA: left-hand-drive cars cannot be registered except special vehicles); KRA values cars on the CRSP reference list, not the invoice — this engine uses CIF, so real tax may be higher ⚠; age ≤8 years.
Popular models: DDP price in Kenya
| Model | FOB | DDP |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal 05 DM-iExample configuration (reference price) · Plug-in hybrid · 1,498 cc | $12,396 | $30,449 |
| BYD Song Plus DM-iExample configuration (reference price) · Plug-in hybrid · 1,498 cc | $16,720 | $38,273 |
| BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $17,045 | $38,861 |
| BYD Seal EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $23,748 | $50,989 |
| BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $13,477 | $32,405 |
| BYD DolphinExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $12,936 | $31,426 |
| BYD Sealion 7Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $25,370 | $53,924 |
| BYD Han EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $24,829 | $52,945 |
| BYD Seal U (Sealion 6)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $19,964 | $44,143 |
| BYD Tang EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $33,479 | $68,596 |
| Geely CoolrayExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,499 cc | $12,396 | $30,449 |
| Geely Xingyue L (Monjaro)Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,969 cc | $19,423 | $44,824 |
| Zeekr 001Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $36,723 | $74,466 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 ProExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,598 cc | $17,261 | $40,754 |
| Changan CS75 PlusExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,499 cc | $15,099 | $35,340 |
| GWM Haval H6Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,998 cc | $15,639 | $37,701 |
| Jetour T2 (Traveller)Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,998 cc | $21,261 | $48,284 |
| Jetour X70Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,498 cc | $13,369 | $32,210 |
| XPeng G6Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $26,992 | $56,859 |
| MG4 EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $20,505 | $45,121 |
| Tesla Model Y (Shanghai-built)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $33,479 | $68,596 |
| XPeng G9Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $37,804 | $76,422 |
| XPeng X9Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $46,453 | $92,072 |
| XPeng MONA M03Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $19,423 | $43,164 |
| AITO M7Example configuration (reference price) · Range extender · 1,499 cc | $42,129 | $84,247 |
| AITO M9Example configuration (reference price) · Range extender · 1,499 cc | $74,565 | $143,106 |
| MG5Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,498 cc | $9,152 | $24,580 |
| MG7Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,496 cc | $17,802 | $40,231 |
| Changan UNI-VExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,494 cc | $14,017 | $33,382 |
| Changan Nevo Q05Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $16,720 | $38,273 |
Available to order now
Cars you can order now: same-day quotes by model with maker photos. Sign up free to see every trim and the price to your own country.
BYD Seal 05 DM-i
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $10,397+
BYD Destroyer 05
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $10,685+
BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $15,122+
BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up)
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $13,033+
BYD Dolphin
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $14,000+
BYD Sealion 7
2026 · EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $27,923+
BYD Sealion 07 DM-i
2026 · PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $23,282+
BYD Tang DM-i
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $23,583+
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Indicative only: rates, freight and rules change. Every rule shows its source; verify before you commit.