Total costs vary depending on the vehicle and exchange rates. A Toyota Vitz typically lands at KES 1.0–1.2 million, while a Toyota Harrier can cost KES 2.7–3.5 million. The final price includes the auction price, shipping, marine insurance, KRA taxes (Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, IDF, RDL), and port clearance fees.

 Reda The process is straightforward. Choose your vehicle via auction or One Price stock, confirm the total landed cost, make payment, and then we handle export, shipping, KEBS inspection, customs clearance, and delivery to your preferred location in Kenya. 

Yes. Importing directly from Japan typically saves 20–40% compared to local dealer prices. You avoid local dealer markups and gain access to a wider selection of low-mileage, well-maintained vehicles.

You pay Import Duty (35% of CIF value), Excise Duty (20–35% depending on engine size), VAT (16% of CIF + Duty + Excise), IDF (3.5%), and RDL (2%). Additional port charges include KEBS validation fees and clearing agent costs.

Duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) or KRA’s Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) benchmark. KRA applies Import Duty (35%), Excise Duty (based on engine capacity), and VAT (16%) on the cumulative value. The CRSP method means you pay taxes on the depreciated Kenyan new-car price, not just your auction purchase price.

Starting January 1, 2026, Kenya only allows vehicles first registered in 2019 or later. Vehicles from 2018 or earlier arriving after December 31, 2025, are rejected at the importer’s expense. Always verify the Year of First Registration (YoR) on the auction sheet before bidding.

The sea voyage from Yokohama or Nagoya to Mombasa typically takes 4–6 weeks. Total delivery time to Nairobi is longer, factoring in port clearance, KEBS validation, and inland transport.

You will need the Export Certificate (Yushutsu Shoumeisho), Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) from QISJ, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, KEBS validation certificate, and KRA tax assessment. TokyoCarZ handles all documentation on your behalf.

QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan) is a KEBS-approved agency that performs mandatory pre-export roadworthiness inspections on all used vehicles shipped from Japan to Kenya. The inspection verifies the vehicle’s condition, and upon passing, QISJ issues a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR), which is required for KEBS clearance at Mombasa Port.

KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) requires all used vehicles to undergo a pre-export inspection and document validation. This process confirms the vehicle meets Kenya’s roadworthiness standards and the 8-year age rule. The inspection is typically performed by QISJ in Japan, and the certificate must be presented at customs clearance.

Toyota models consistently hold the highest resale value. The Toyota Vitz, Harrier, Land Cruiser Prado, and Hilux are particularly strong. Honda Fit and Nissan Note also perform well. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and parts availability gives it an edge in the Kenyan market.

Unexpected costs can include port storage fees if clearance is delayed, higher-than-expected KRA assessments based on CRSP valuations, KEBS document validation fees, and inland transport costs from Mombasa to your location. TokyoCarZ provides a transparent breakdown to eliminate surprises.

Japanese auctions are wholesale marketplaces where vehicles are sold to dealers and exporters. Each vehicle comes with a detailed auction sheet that includes grade, mileage, rust score, and repair history. International buyers participate through proxy exporters like TokyoCarZ, who bid on your behalf.

Yes. Hybrids like the Toyota Aqua, Prius, and Nissan Note e-Power are popular imports. They often benefit from lower excise duty rates compared to petrol vehicles of similar size and offer significant fuel savings. They must still comply with the 8-year age rule and KEBS inspection requirements.

Once your car arrives, we coordinate with a licensed clearing agent to handle KEBS document validation, KRA duty assessment, and customs clearance. After clearance, we arrange transport to your preferred location in Kenya—whether Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or elsewhere. The final step is registration with KRA for license plates.

Importing offers great value, but there are trade-offs. The process takes 45–60 days, so you cannot drive the car immediately. You also face higher upfront taxes, with import duties and levies often equaling 60–80% of the car’s CIF value. Additionally, the 8-year age rule strictly limits your options, and you must rely on auction sheets and inspections rather than a physical test drive before purchase.