Most "used cars for sale in Kenya" started life in Japan. Buying direct from a Japanese exporter skips the yard markup in Nairobi or Mombasa, as long as you follow Kenya's three import rules: age, inspection and duty.
1. The 8-year rule
Kenya accepts used cars up to 8 years old, counted from the year of manufacture. In 2026 that means cars built in 2018 or later. The rule is strict: a 2017-built car is refused at Mombasa, however good it is. We check the manufacture date on the chassis plate before you pay, and our Kenya list below only shows cars that qualify.
2. Pre-export inspection (KEBS)
Every car must pass a KEBS-approved roadworthiness inspection in Japan before shipping. In Japan this is done by KEBS's appointed inspection agent. We book it, and the certificate travels with the shipping documents. No certificate, no clearance.
3. Duty and taxes
KRA charges import duty, excise duty, VAT, the Import Declaration Fee and the Railway Development Levy. Duty is calculated from KRA's Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list for the model, not from what you paid, so two cars bought at different prices can pay the same duty. Excise rises with engine size, which is why 1.5-litre and smaller cars are so popular. Use KRA's calculator or a clearing agent before choosing a car.
What Kenyans buy most
- Toyota Fielder, Axio and Corolla: cheap to run, easy to service and sell on.
- Toyota Harrier, RAV4 and Land Cruiser Prado: for upcountry roads. The Prado and Harrier hold value very well.
- Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5: AWD alternatives.
- Toyota Probox and Hiace: business workhorses.
- Fuso Canter and Hino Dutro trucks: most of ours are near-new, well inside the 8-year rule. See Canter to Kenya.
Browse by brand: Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Nissan.
Shipping and clearing
Cars ship from Japan to the Port of Mombasa, usually in 3–5 weeks. Hire a licensed clearing agent in Mombasa; they lodge the entry, pay duty on your behalf and release the car. Keep the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, inspection certificate and logbook papers together.
How buying works
- Pick a car from the list below (all qualify for Kenya).
- Pay the invoice; we book inspection and shipping.
- Your agent clears it at Mombasa; you register it with NTSA.
The cars and prices below are live from our stock. WhatsApp us with your budget and the car you want.
