🧾 KRA Duty Explained: What You Must Know When Importing a Car to Kenya (2025)

Importing a car to Kenya can save you money, but many buyers are shocked by the KRA import duty. Understanding how KRA duty works will help you plan better and avoid surprises. Here’s a simple breakdown of how car import tax is calculated in 2025.

💡 What Is KRA Duty?

KRA duty is the total amount you pay to the Kenya Revenue Authority when bringing in a foreign vehicle. It includes several taxes bundled together.

📦 Breakdown of Charges

• Import Duty: 25% of the Customs Value (CIF)
• Excise Duty: 20% of (CIF + Import Duty)
• VAT: 16% of (CIF + Import + Excise)
• Railway Development Levy: 2% of CIF
• IDF Fee: 3.5% of CIF

CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight — the total value of the car before taxes.

🧮 Example (2025): Importing a Toyota Axio

Let’s say your car’s CIF is KSh 800,000. Here's an estimated tax breakdown:

• Import Duty (25%): KSh 200,000
• Excise Duty (20%): KSh 200,000
• VAT (16%): KSh 192,000
• IDF + RDL: KSh 44,000
• Total KRA Duty: Around KSh 636,000

So, your total cost becomes around KSh 1,436,000.

🛂 Age Limit Reminder

Kenya only allows import of vehicles that are 8 years old or newer. As of 2025, you can only import cars manufactured in 2017 or later.

✅ Tip: Use the KRA Online Calculator

Visit the official KRA website and use the motor vehicle duty calculator to get updated rates and save yourself a surprise at the port.

💬 Got Questions?

Have you imported a car before? Want help calculating taxes? Ask your questions in the comments section below — we’ll help!

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🚗 Need help importing a car? Talk to us at Connect Kenya Cars or WhatsApp us directly at 0717 423 659.