How long does it take to import a car to Kenya?

Most imports take between six and ten weeks from the day the car is purchased to the day you drive it. The exact figure depends on shipping schedules and how quickly the car clears the port, so it helps to know where the time goes.

The stages

1. Choosing the car. This is the part you control. Tell the sourcing team the make, model, year range and budget, and review the shortlist with photos and condition reports.
2. Purchase and paperwork. Once you approve a car it is bought and the export documents are prepared.
3. Shipping. The car waits for a vessel, then makes the sea journey. This is usually the longest single stage.
4. Clearing. Duties are paid and the car is released from the port.
5. Registration and handover. The car is registered and you collect it, ready to drive.

What can slow things down

• Waiting for the next available vessel.
• Incomplete or incorrect documents.
• Delays at clearing when paperwork or payments are late.

How to avoid surprises

Ask for a full cost breakdown before you commit: the price of the car, shipping, duty and clearing. Agree a payment schedule with clear milestones, and ask for regular updates so you always know where the car is. Make sure the car you want meets Kenya's import rules, including the age limit, before you pay for anything.