Car Shipping to Kenya from UK | Mombasa Port
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1330
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya via RoRo and container services, with 32 days transit and monthly sailings. RoRo starts from £1327 for a standard car. Kenya drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal. An 8-year vehicle age limit applies. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from Intertek and an Import Declaration Form (IDF) via the KenTrade portal are both mandatory before shipment. We handle all UK export documentation.
UK Right-Hand Drive Cars Are Fully Road-Legal in Kenya
Kenya drives on the left — exactly like the UK. Your right-hand drive car is fully compatible with Kenyan roads without any steering conversion. This makes Kenya one of the most UK-car-friendly East African destinations.
Car Shipping From UK to Kenya, Mombasa with Ship Cars Ltd.
Ship Cars Ltd. is your dedicated partner for shipping vehicles from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya. As Kenya’s principal port, Mombasa is the primary entry point for imported vehicles. We offer comprehensive, reliable, and secure shipping solutions designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Why People Choose to Ship Vehicles to Mombasa
Mombasa’s status as Kenya’s main port city makes it the natural choice for importing vehicles. Key reasons for this include:
Vehicles are shipped for a range of purposes, including commercial trade and resale of both classic and modern cars. UK expatriates and returning residents frequently ship” their cars due to their sentimental importance. Tourist or individuals planning long-term holidays choose to ship their vehicles to explore their destination without the hassle of rental cars.
Shipping Methods to Mombasa
At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
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Cost: For a small car, RoRo shipping to Mombasa is priced at £1328. For larger vehicles such as a Range Rover, the cost is £1453.
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Transit Time: 24 to 27 days.
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Sailing Frequency: once a month.
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Transit Time: 24 to 27 days.
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Sailing Frequency: once a month.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Kenya?
Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for a smooth shipping and customs clearance process in Kenya.
UK Documentation:
- V5C logbook (original — do not leave inside vehicle)
- Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
- Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old
- Purchase invoice or proof of ownership
- Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form
- Vehicle Condition Report (free if Ship Cars Ltd collects; £35 if self-delivered)
Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf.
Destination Port (Mombasa, Kenya) Documentation:
Kenya has specific import regulations. Engaging a local clearing agent in Mombasa is highly recommended to navigate these procedures efficiently.
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Bill of Lading: The primary shipping document issued by Ship Cars Ltd. You will need the original to claim your vehicle at the port.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF): This is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). It can be obtained online through the KenTrade portal.
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Certificate of Conformity (CoC): For vehicles imported into Kenya, a Certificate of Conformity from a KEBS-approved inspection body is typically required. This certifies that the vehicle meets Kenyan standards. Intertek is one such approved inspection agency.
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Link: Intertek Kenya (You will need to navigate their site to find the relevant vehicle inspection services).
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Proof of Ownership: Original V5C or equivalent documentation.
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Proof of Residence/Purpose: Documentation supporting the reason for import (personal use, business, transfer of residence, etc.).
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Import Duty and Tax Payments: Proof of payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
Important Note: We strongly advise engaging a reputable clearing agent in Mombasa. They are experts in Kenyan customs law and procedures, can assist in obtaining necessary permits like the IDF, and will ensure all requirements are met precisely.
Import Rules for Kenya (Mombasa)
Kenya has specific regulations governing vehicle imports:
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Permanent Export/Import
This applies when the vehicle is intended for permanent use and ownership within Kenya.
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Age Restriction: Vehicles imported into Kenya must generally not be more than 8 years old from the year of first registration. This is a critical regulation enforced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
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Right-Hand Drive: Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted for permanent import into Kenya.
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Import Duty and Taxes: Rates vary but typically include:
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Customs Duty: Typically 25% or 35% of the CIF value, depending on the vehicle type.
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Excise Duty: Varies by engine capacity.
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Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% on the CIF value plus duty and excise.
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Import Declaration Fee (IDF): A percentage of the CIF value.
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Requirements:
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Valid Passport and Kenyan Residence Permit (if applicable).
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Bill of Lading.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF).
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Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
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Proof of payment of duties and taxes.
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Proof of ownership and age of the vehicle.
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Transfer of Residence (ToR)
This scheme allows returning Kenyan citizens or expatriates taking up permanent residency in Kenya to import one vehicle, often with duty concessions.
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Requirements:
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The importer must be a returning Kenyan citizen or an expatriate granted permanent residency.
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The vehicle must have been owned and used by the importer in their previous country of residence for at least 12 months prior to importation.
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The vehicle must comply with the age restriction (typically not more than 8 years old).
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Documentation proving ownership and usage duration is essential.
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A CoC will still be required.
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Authority: Managed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
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Temporary Importation
This allows non-residents to import a vehicle for a limited duration, typically for tourism or specific short-term projects, without paying full import duties.
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Requirements:
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The importer must be a non-resident visitor.
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A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is required, often obtained upon arrival at the port or through an authorised agent.
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The vehicle is generally permitted for a period of up to 12 months, which may be extendable under specific circumstances.
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The vehicle must be re-exported at the end of the permitted period.
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Prohibited Items: Importing commercial goods or items for sale within the temporarily imported vehicle is not allowed.
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Authority: Primarily Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and potentially the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for port-specific clearance.
Inspections and Permits
Several inspections and permits are essential for clearing your vehicle in Mombasa:
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Pre-Export Inspection (UK): If Ship Cars Ltd. collects your vehicle, we provide a complimentary condition report detailing its state before shipping. If you deliver the vehicle to our facility, a charge of £35 applies for this report.
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Pre-Arrival Inspection/Permits (Kenya):
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Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Mandatory and obtained from an approved inspection agency (like Intertek) in the UK. It verifies compliance with Kenyan standards.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF): Required via the Ken Trade portal before vessel arrival.
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KEBS Inspection: Upon arrival, KEBS or its appointed agents may conduct physical inspections to ensure compliance.
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KRA Customs Inspection: The Kenya Revenue Authority will inspect the vehicle for customs clearance and duty assessment.
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Where to Obtain:
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CoC: Through designated inspection bodies such as Intertek in the UK.
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IDF: Online via the KenTrade portal.
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Customs Clearance: Handled by your appointed clearing agent in Mombasa, in liaison with KRA and KEBS.
Is Mombasa Used as a Transit Hub for East Africa?
Yes. The Port of Mombasa is East Africa’s busiest port and a significant vehicle transit hub for several landlocked neighbouring countries via the Northern Corridor:
- Uganda — Mombasa is the primary route for Ugandan vehicle imports via the Malaba/Busia border crossing
- Rwanda — vehicles transit from Mombasa to Kigali via Uganda or through Tanzania
- Burundi — accessible via Rwanda or Tanzania from Mombasa
- South Sudan — long-haul transit via Uganda
- Eastern DRC — Goma and Bukavu accessible via Rwanda
UK car exporters and traders supplying the East African market regularly use Mombasa for its established clearing agent community, modern port infrastructure, and well-maintained Northern Corridor road network. If your vehicle’s final destination is Uganda, Rwanda, or South Sudan, Ship Cars Ltd can advise on Mombasa clearance and onward transit arrangements.
How to Obtain a Kenya Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
Kenya requires a Certificate of Conformity issued by a KEBS-approved inspection agency before the vehicle leaves the UK. Intertek is the primary approved agency for Kenya CoC inspections in the UK.
Process:
- Contact Intertek in the UK after confirming your sailing date
- Schedule a vehicle inspection at an approved facility
- The inspection verifies the vehicle’s identity, age, specifications, and roadworthiness compliance with Kenyan standards
- Intertek issues the CoC certificate — submit this to your Mombasa clearing agent with the other shipping documents
Timeline: Allow 5–10 working days from booking to receiving the CoC
Cost: Charged directly by Intertek — not included in Ship Cars Ltd shipping prices
Critical: The CoC must accompany the Bill of Lading to Mombasa. Your clearing agent cannot complete KRA customs clearance without it
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Kenya
Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Kenya?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Mombasa starts from £1327 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and £1453 for a large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Port of Mombasa sea freight only. Kenyan customs duty (25–35%), Excise Duty, VAT (16%), IDF, CoC fees, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all payable separately in Kenya.
Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Mombasa take?
Transit from the UK to Mombasa takes approximately 24 to 27 days, with one sailing per month. Including UK collection, CoC inspection, and Kenyan customs clearance after arrival, allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available.
Q: What is the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Kenya?
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from a KEBS-approved inspection agency (primarily Intertek in the UK) is mandatory before your vehicle leaves the UK. It verifies the vehicle meets Kenyan safety and emissions standards. Without it, your vehicle cannot be cleared at Mombasa Port. Allow 5–10 working days to arrange. The CoC fee is charged directly by Intertek and is not included in the Ship Cars Ltd shipping price.
Q: What is the vehicle age limit for importing to Kenya?
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration. For 2026, vehicles first registered before 2018 are generally ineligible. This is strictly enforced by KEBS. Verify current policy at kebs.org before booking.
Q: Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Kenya?
Yes. Kenya drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal without any steering conversion. Only RHD vehicles are permitted for permanent import — left-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered for road use in Kenya.
