Importing a car from the UK to Kenya offers numerous advantages, from accessing high-quality vehicles to taking advantage of great prices. However, timing your import is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your car meets Kenyan regulations. One of the most important factors to consider is the vehicle’s age, as Kenya only allows cars that are 8 years old or younger to be imported.

At UK RoadRunner, we understand that importing a car to Kenya involves more than just shipping. Timing is important, as the age of your vehicle and its registration date can significantly impact the cost and feasibility of your import. This guide will delve into the key factors influencing car import timing that influence the timing of car imports to Kenya. We’ll provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

1. Key Factors to Consider When Importing a Car

When planning to import a car from the UK, it’s essential to think about several factors that could affect the timing and cost of your import:

• Shipping Schedules and Delays: While shipping timelines from the UK to Kenya are generally predictable, delays can still occur due to unforeseen circumstances. The frequency of shipments from the UK to Kenya varies based on the time of year. Certain months may experience more delays due to peak seasons, holidays or even acts of war.

• Currency Exchange Rates: The cost of importing can be significantly affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. Timing your purchase when the Kenyan Shilling is stronger compared to the British Pound or US dollar can save you a substantial amount of money. When the shilling is weak, you will end up spending more money for the same price in pounds. Also, negotiating for better exchange rates with your bank will save you some money.

• Vehicle Availability and Model Releases: The UK’s registration cycles (March and September) influence the availability of new and used cars. The UK car market follows this specific cycle, with new models often being released in March and September. These cycles can impact the availability of cars, especially for those looking to import new or lightly used vehicles.

2. Kenya’s Age Restrictions for Imported Cars

Kenya has strict regulations regarding the age of imported vehicles, which directly affects the timing of your import. Kenyan law only allows importing cars that are 8 years old or younger. For example, in 2024, you can only import cars that were first registered in 2016 or later.

The vehicle’s registration date becomes important when calculating the vehicle’s age. This is to ensure it meets Kenya’s 8-year limit by the time it arrives. For example, in 2024, if a car was registered in December 2016, it needs to be bought and shipped latest October. This is to account for the shipping time (5-6 Weeks) and delays that may occur during shipping and while at the port of Mombasa. Any delays beyond that would make the car ineligible for import, leading to penalties or rejection at customs.

3. Timing Your Car Import Based on Vehicle Age

The timing of your import is key to ensuring your car remains within the allowable age limit. It also minimises the duty, as the vehicle age is key when calculating import duty and taxes.

If you’re importing a car registered in March 2017, you might want to ensure it arrives in Kenya after March 2024. This is because the vehicle will have depreciated. You will maximise the depreciation fees as it will be 7+ years and not 6+ years, thereby lowering your duty charges. The best month for your car to arrive is when it has recently passed its registration birthday, as it will move to the lower rate of import duty.

Good Month vs. Bad Month When Importing A Car to Kenya

When selecting a car to purchase, it is critical to consider the month in which the vehicle was registered. This is so as to avoid what the car import industry refers to as a bad month.

A bad month is when you import a car and it arrives at the Mombasa port before its manufacturing month for the year. For example, if you purchase a 2016 September Range Rover Vogue but have it delivered to Mombasa in August 2024. This is a bad month, and you will be charged taxes for 2017, which are 10% higher.

A good month is when the opposite happens. The 2016 Range Rover arrives at Mombasa after the birthday month. This reduces the import duty and taxes by 10% and saving you some money.

By ensuring your car is imported during the right months, you can save a significant amount on duties and taxes. Cars nearing the 8-year limit may also attract additional penalties. It is therefore essential to import them while they still meet the age requirement. 

At UK RoadRunner, we are committed to helping our clients minimise costs and maximise savings when importing vehicles. With our UK-based location, we offer storage solutions and can hold your car until the most favourable import month. If you’ve taken advantage of a favourable exchange rate when purchasing a vehicle but are concerned it may arrive in Mombasa during an inopportune time, we’ll work with you to mitigate any challenges. Contact us to discuss how we can arrange the best timing for your import. Leverage our expertise to ensure a smooth and cost-effective process.

Conclusion

Importing a car from the UK to Kenya requires careful planning. Most especially when considering the vehicle’s age and how it impacts duties and eligibility. By timing your import correctly, you can avoid costly delays, excessive duties, and even the risk of having your car rejected at customs. Contact UK RoadRunner today to get expert advice on the best time to import your car and ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish.