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 19 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 | Ex-works | DDP |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal 05 DM-i | $10,500 | $25,377 |
| BYD Song Plus DM-i | $14,500 | $32,593 |
| BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) | $14,800 | $33,135 |
| BYD Seal EV | $21,000 | $44,319 |
| BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up) | $11,500 | $27,181 |
| BYD Dolphin | $11,000 | $26,279 |
| BYD Sealion 7 | $22,500 | $47,025 |
| BYD Han EV | $22,000 | $46,123 |
| BYD Seal U (Sealion 6) | $17,500 | $38,005 |
| BYD Tang EV | $30,000 | $60,555 |
| Geely Coolray | $10,500 | $25,377 |
| Geely Xingyue L (Monjaro) | $17,000 | $38,549 |
| Zeekr 001 | $33,000 | $65,967 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | $15,000 | $34,796 |
| Changan CS75 Plus | $13,000 | $29,887 |
| GWM Haval H6 | $13,500 | $31,981 |
| XPeng G6 | $24,000 | $49,731 |
| MG4 EV | $18,000 | $38,907 |
| Tesla Model Y (Shanghai-built) | $30,000 | $60,555 |
Other countries
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Indicative only: rates, freight and rules change. Every rule shows its source; verify before you commit.