- Import guide
- Africa
How to Import a Chinese EV to Kenya (2026)
What you need to know before importing a new or used Chinese EV to Kenya: import rules, duties and taxes, homologation, ports, shipping from China and the documents to prepare.
At a glance
- Import of new cars
- Allowed
- Import of used cars
- Allowed with restrictions
- Age limit for used cars
- Imported vehicles must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration.
- Duties and taxes
- Taxes are calculated on the customs value. KRA lists a lower excise rate for cars with an electric motor only.
- Homologation and standards
- Used vehicles are inspected for roadworthiness by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Vehicles arriving without a certificate of roadworthiness must have their export documents validated by KEBS's appointed agent.
- Driving side
- Left-hand traffic (right-hand drive cars)
- Ports of entry
- Mombasa
- Shipping from China
- 22–30 days at sea
- Documents required
- 5 main documents
- Dealers listed
- 0
Dealers in Kenya
No Zeekr dealership in Kenya is listed in our directory yet. Importing may be the only way to buy some models.
Import of new cars to Kenya
New cars can be imported into Kenya. Customs taxes are calculated on the customs value of the vehicle.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Import of used cars to Kenya
Used cars can be imported if they meet the age limit, are right-hand drive and pass a roadworthiness inspection before shipment.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Age limit for used cars to Kenya
Imported vehicles must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration.
- KEBS states the limit as not more than 8 years from the year of first registration: check the exact cut-off year with KEBS before you buy.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Import duties and taxes in Kenya
Taxes are calculated on the customs value. KRA lists a lower excise rate for cars with an electric motor only.
| Tax | Rate or amount |
|---|---|
| Import duty | 25% |
| Excise duty – electric only | 10% |
| Excise duty – hybrids | 25% |
| Excise duty – petrol 1,001–1,500 cc | 20% |
| Excise duty – petrol 1,501–3,000 cc | 25% |
| VAT | 16% |
| Import Declaration Fee | 3.5% |
| Railway Development Levy | 2% |
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Homologation and standards
Used vehicles are inspected for roadworthiness by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Vehicles arriving without a certificate of roadworthiness must have their export documents validated by KEBS's appointed agent.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Left-hand or right-hand drive?
Kenya drives on the left. KRA requires imported vehicles to be right-hand drive, so a left-hand-drive car built for mainland China does not qualify.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Ports of entry in Kenya
- Mombasa
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Documents required
- Original commercial invoice
- Original bill of lading
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (certificate of roadworthiness)
- Original logbook from the country of export, cancelled there
- Copy of your KRA PIN certificate (certificate of incorporation for companies)
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Shipping a car from China to Kenya
Ocean transit from Shanghai to Mombasa, port to port, depending on the line. Customs clearance and inland delivery come on top.
- Indicative transit time22–30 days
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Buy locally or import?
| Criteria | Local dealer | Import from China |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | No dealer listed yet | Models sold in China, if they meet local rules |
| Taxes | Included in the dealer price | Paid at customs (see above) |
| Delivery time | Depends on dealer stock | About 22–30 days at sea, plus clearance |
| Paperwork | Handled by the dealer | Customs, homologation and registration |
Zeekr prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Zeekr X | $24,000 – $27,100 |
| Zeekr 7X | $35,400 – $41,500 |
| Zeekr 7GT | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 001 | $41,500 – $56,200 |
| Zeekr 007 | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 009 | $67,700 – $72,300 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Zeekr prices by region.
Xiaomi prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi SU7 | $33,900 – $46,800 |
| Xiaomi SU7 Ultra | $81,500 |
| Xiaomi YU7 | $35,900 – $50,800 |
| Xiaomi YU7 GT | $60,000 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Xiaomi prices by region.
How to import a Chinese EV to Kenya, step by step
- 1
Check that your car can be imported
New cars: Allowed. Used cars: Allowed with restrictions. Imported vehicles must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration.
- 2
Choose the model and the right steering side
Left-hand traffic (right-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.
- 3
Estimate the landed cost
Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.
- 4
Ship the car
Main ports of entry: Mombasa. Expect about 22–30 days at sea from China.
- 5
Clear customs
Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.
- 6
Homologate and register
Used vehicles are inspected for roadworthiness by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Vehicles arriving without a certificate of roadworthiness must have their export documents validated by KEBS's appointed agent.
FAQ: importing an electric car to Kenya
Can I import a left-hand-drive Chinese EV from China to Kenya?
No. KRA requires imported vehicles to be right-hand drive. Look for a right-hand-drive version, such as models built for right-hand-drive markets.
How old can a used Chinese EV be to enter Kenya?
It must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration, and it must pass a roadworthiness inspection before shipment.
What excise duty applies to a Chinese EV in Kenya?
KRA lists 10% excise duty for vehicles with only an electric motor, and 25% for hybrids, on top of 25% import duty, 16% VAT, a 3.5% import declaration fee and a 2% railway development levy.
How long does shipping from China to Kenya take?
DP World gives 22 to 30 days of ocean transit from Shanghai to Mombasa, before customs clearance and delivery.