Kenya Car Tax Calculator & Vehicle Import Duty 2026 (KRA Duty)
Calculate Kenya customs duty, car duty, and vehicle taxes with our Kenya Car Tax Calculator, Kenya Import Tax Calculator, and Kenya Vehicle Tax Calculator. Free KRA port clearing estimator on CIF/CRSP in KES.
Kenya · Kenya Duty Calculator
Methodology
Imported cargo arriving at the Port of Mombasa, JKIA air cargo terminal, or inland container depots (ICD Nairobi / Naivasha) is taxed under the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs valuation rules. For general cargo, the Kenya Import Tax Calculator computes sequential taxes on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value in KES: Customs Duty (0%, 10%, 25%, or 35%), Excise Duty on designated goods, 16% VAT on CIF plus Duty plus Excise, 1.5% Railway Development Levy (RDL), and 2.5% Import Declaration Fee (IDF). For motor vehicles and cars, the Kenya Car Tax Calculator and Kenya Vehicle Tax Calculator evaluate KRA Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) tables adjusted for statutory age depreciation up to the 8-year age limit (KS 1515:2000 standard), with 35% import duty, tiered excise duty by engine cc (20% to 35%), 16% VAT, IDF, and RDL.
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User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
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Formula basis
The formula is shown openly and no country rate is inserted automatically.
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Your estimate
AfricalHub is an independent private platform not affiliated with any government agency. Calculations are for educational planning only. Verify official filings with the relevant revenue authority or a qualified professional.
KRA Motor Vehicle Depreciation Table (KS 1515:2000 8-Year Rule)
| Vehicle Age Bracket | Depreciation Rate (%) | Customs Assessed Value Base |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 Year Old | 20% | 80% of CRSP Value |
| 1 Year – 2 Years Old | 30% | 70% of CRSP Value |
| 2 Years – 3 Years Old | 40% | 60% of CRSP Value |
| 3 Years – 4 Years Old | 50% | 50% of CRSP Value |
| 4 Years – 5 Years Old | 60% | 40% of CRSP Value |
| 5 Years – 6 Years Old | 70% | 30% of CRSP Value |
| 6 Years – 7 Years Old | 75% | 25% of CRSP Value |
| 7 Years – 8 Years Old (Legal Limit) | 80% | 20% of CRSP Value |
Step-by-Step KRA Import & Car Duty Cascading Formula
2. Import Duty: Customs Value × 35% (motor vehicles) or 0%–35% (general goods)
3. Excise Duty: (Customs Value + Import Duty) × Excise Rate (20%–35%)
4. Value Added Tax (VAT): (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty) × 16%
5. Railway Development Levy (RDL): Customs Value × 1.5%
6. Import Declaration Fee (IDF): Customs Value × 2.5%
7. Total Clearing Duties: Sum of all taxes payable to KRA at Port of Mombasa or ICD Nairobi.
Sources
User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
How is import customs duty calculated in Kenya on CIF value?
KRA calculates import duty by applying the applicable EAC Common External Tariff rate (0%, 10%, 25%, or 35%) to the verified CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value converted to Kenyan Shillings at the official customs exchange rate.
How does the Kenya Car Tax Calculator and Kenya Vehicle Tax Calculator work?
Motor vehicle duty in Kenya is calculated using KRA's Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) database. The vehicle's age depreciation is subtracted from the CRSP (up to 80% for 7–8 year old cars). The assessed customs value is then subject to 35% import duty, 20%–35% excise duty based on engine capacity (cc), 16% VAT, 2.5% IDF, and 1.5% RDL.
What is the maximum age limit for importing a used car into Kenya?
Under Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) KS 1515:2000 regulations, used motor vehicles imported into Kenya must not be more than 8 years old from the year of first registration. Right-hand drive is also mandatory.
What are the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff bands?
The EAC 4-band tariff structure assesses: 0% for raw materials and capital goods, 10% for intermediate goods, 25% for finished consumer products, and 35% for sensitive goods produced locally (such as motor vehicles, sugar, textiles, and iron).
What are the RDL and IDF rates in Kenya?
Under current customs regulations, Railway Development Levy (RDL) is 1.5% of customs value, and Import Declaration Fee (IDF) is 2.5% of customs value.
How is 16% VAT calculated on imported goods in Kenya?
VAT (16%) is charged on the combined tax base: Customs Assessed Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty.
What excise duty rates apply to imported cars in Kenya?
Excise duty depends on engine displacement: 20% for passenger cars up to 1500cc; 25% for 1501cc to 2500cc (saloons/SUVs); 30% for 2501cc to 3000cc; and 35% for engine capacities exceeding 3000cc (such as V8 Land Cruisers).