There are a number of ways ordinary Kenyan citizens can ship a car to Kenya and not pay the hefty import duties charged by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Returning Residents
If you are permanently returning to Kenya, you can import a car duty free provided you meet the following conditions:
- You must have been residing outside Kenya for a period of at least two years and have not resided in Kenya for a period(s) amounting in total to ninety days or more within the two years immediately before your return to Kenya.
- You must be of eighteen years of age and above
- The vehicle was used by you outside Kenya for at least three hundred and sixty days (excluding the period of voyage in the case of shipment)
- The vehicle is owned and registered in your name and/or your spouse, and where the motor vehicle is purchased on hire purchase terms, the first installment has already been paid and you have taken delivery at least three hundred and sixty days before importation.
A returning resident is allowed to import one exempt motor vehicle “(excluding buses and minibuses of seating capacity of more than 13 passengers and load carrying capacity exceeding two tonnes)” if they meet the above conditions.
Disabled, Blind and Physically Handicapped Persons
Disable, blind and physically handicapped persons can import a vehicle duty free to Kenya. The following conditions must be met. The car must:
- be specially designed for use by disabled or physically handicapped persons or;
- is intended for the educational, scientific or cultural advancement of the disabled for the use of an organisation approved by the Government of Kenya.
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