If you are planning to import a car into Kenya in 2026, the 8-year car import rule in Kenya is the first thing to understand. Ignore it and your vehicle will be rejected at the port. There is no appeal, no refund, and no room for negotiation.
In 2026, Kenya allows only vehicles manufactured in 2019 or later. This refers to the manufacture year, not the registration year. That detail may seem small, yet it is exactly where many importers lose money.
For a broader view of the entire process, it helps to start with the
👉 Complete guide to importing a car to Kenya in 2026
What Is the 8-Year Car Import Rule in Kenya?
KEBS and KRA enforce Kenya’s 8-year rule to limit the importation of older vehicles. Authorities calculate a car’s age from January 1st of the manufacture year to December 31st of the import year.
KEBS publishes this age limit under its standards, while customs applies it during clearance through KRA.
Put simply:
- Import year. 2026
- Oldest allowed manufacture year. 2019
- Anything older. Automatically disqualified
As a result, a 2018 vehicle becomes nine years old in 2026. It does not matter if the car looks clean. Mileage does not help either. Even dealer assurances will not change the outcome.
Because of this, the 8-year car import rule in Kenya is applied strictly at Mombasa Port.
Why 2019 Is the “Golden Year” for 2026 Imports
2019 vehicles sit right at the legal cutoff. For that reason, buyers see them as the most attractive option.
These cars are usually:
- The cheapest models that still qualify for import
- Widely available in Japan and the UK
- Often ex-fleet or lease returns with regular maintenance
This combination pushes demand up quickly. At the same time, it increases risk. Even a small documentation error can derail the entire shipment.
That reality explains why only 2019 cars are allowed in 2026 and why buyers move fast once they find one.
Before shipping, Seaways Kenya verifies:
- The exact manufacture month and year
- Export certificates from the source country
- Inspection eligibility before the vehicle leaves port
By checking these details early, clients avoid expensive surprises later.
Common Mistakes That Get Cars Rejected
These issues appear at Mombasa Port almost every week:
- Mixing up registration year with manufacture year
- Trusting dealer listings without independent verification
- Buying cars listed as “2019” that are actually late-2018 builds
- Skipping professional pre-shipment inspection requirements
Once a vehicle lands and fails age compliance, KRA will not clear it. At that stage, choices become limited. Re-export or destruction are usually the only options, and neither comes cheap.
If you want to see how inspections fit into the bigger picture, refer to the
👉 QISJ and EAA inspection requirements
How Seaways Protects You
Seaways works upstream rather than reacting at the last minute. The team checks every vehicle against:
- KEBS age compliance rules
- QISJ inspection eligibility
- KRA clearance thresholds
This process saves clients months of stress and prevents significant financial loss.
Understanding the 8-year car import rule in Kenya before you buy often makes the difference between smooth clearance and a costly mistake.
To see how all stages fit together, revisit the
👉 Full 2026 Kenya car import guide by Seaways
Final Advice Before You Buy
If a deal on a “2019” car feels slightly too good, pause for a moment. Ask for the export certificate. Then verify the manufacture date independently. One wrong digit can turn a good purchase into a stranded asset.
For step-by-step clarity on costs, inspections, and timelines, start with the
👉 Car import process in Kenya explained step by step
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