For many Kenyans living abroad, the thought of returning home comes with a mix of excitement and logistical challenges. One of the biggest surprises for some returning residents is discovering that they cannot import their personal vehicles—even if they come from a right-hand drive (RHD) country.

If you’ve been living in a country like the UK, Japan, Australia, or South Africa, you might assume that because your car is already right-hand drive, bringing it back to Kenya should be simple. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Let’s break down why.

Kenya’s Vehicle Import Rules for Returning Residents  

Kenya has strict vehicle import regulations enforced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). These rules apply to everyone—including returning residents—and are designed to maintain road safety and standardization.

Even if your vehicle is right-hand drive, here’s why you cannot import it into Kenya:

1. The Eight-Year Age Limit  

Kenya does not allow the importation of vehicles older than eight years from the date of manufacture. If your vehicle is from 2016 or earlier (as of 2024), it will not be allowed into the country.

This restriction affects many returning residents who have owned their cars for several years. Even if the car is well-maintained, it won’t pass KEBS inspection if it’s too old.

2. First Registration Must Be Outside Kenya  

If your car was originally registered in Kenya and then shipped abroad, you cannot re-import it as a returning resident. The law only allows the duty-free importation of vehicles that were first registered outside Kenya.

This means that if you moved abroad and took your Kenyan car with you, you cannot bring it back duty-free.

3. Personal Ownership Requirement  

Returning residents are only allowed to import a personal vehicle they have owned and used for at least 12 months before relocating. This means if you recently bought a car just before moving back, you may face import restrictions.

4. High Import Duties and Taxes  

Even if your vehicle meets all other requirements, be prepared for high import taxes. The exemption for returning residents only applies to one personal vehicle, and even then, you must have proof of ownership and residency abroad. If your paperwork isn’t in order, you may end up paying hefty fees, making it impractical to bring the car back.

What Are Your Options?  

If you’re a returning Kenyan from an RHD country and realize you can’t bring your vehicle, here are your best options:

• Sell the Car Before Moving – Selling your car abroad can save you time and money. You can use the proceeds to buy another car once you’re back in Kenya.
• Buy an RHD Car That Meets Kenyan Standards – If you're still abroad, consider purchasing an RHD vehicle that is less than eight years old before moving. Ensure it meets KEBS standards before shipping.
• Purchase a Car in Kenya – Once you return, you can buy a locally available RHD vehicle. This avoids importation hassles and ensures you get a car that’s compliant with Kenyan laws.

While it may seem frustrating that returning residents from RHD countries can’t always bring their cars back to Kenya, these rules exist to standardize vehicle imports and maintain road safety. Understanding the requirements ahead of time will help you plan your move smoothly and avoid unexpected costs.

Zorro will help you think about your car options early so that you can make the best financial and logistical decision for your move back home.