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How to Import Chinese Trucks to Kenya: Complete 2026 Guide

March 18, 2026 15 min read by Kings Truck Team

Learning how to import Chinese trucks to Kenya is essential for transporters looking to capitalize on East Africa’s growing economy. With the Port of Mombasa serving as the gateway to the region, Kenya has specific regulations regarding truck imports. This comprehensive guide covers KRA requirements, duty calculations, RHD specifications, and the step-by-step clearance process for 2026.

Kenya Import Regulations at a Glance

Steering side: Right-hand drive (RHD) mandatory – LHD trucks require special permit (rarely granted)
Age limit: Used trucks must be ≤8 years old from year of manufacture
Emissions: Euro 5 required for new trucks (2024 onward)
Inspection: Pre-shipment inspection by Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) or similar
HS Codes: 8704.23 (dump trucks), 8701.20 (tractors), 8704.22 (light trucks)

Step 1: Choose the Right Truck for Kenya

Popular Chinese trucks in Kenya include:

HOWO A7 6×4 Tractor (RHD): For container haulage Mombasa-Nairobi-Uganda
HOWO T7H 6×4 Tractor (RHD): Premium long-haul with better fuel economy
HOWO 6×4 Dump Truck (RHD): For construction and infrastructure projects
Shacman X3000 6×4 Tractor (RHD limited): Available, check lead times
FOTON Auman 6×4 Tractor (RHD): Growing in popularity

Note: All trucks imported to Kenya must have speed limiters installed (max 80 km/h for heavy commercial vehicles).

Step 2: Shipping to Mombasa Port

Shipping methods and costs from China to Mombasa (2026):

Method	Cost (USD)	Transit Time	Notes
RORO	$4,800 – $6,200	25-35 days	Most common for tractors
Container (40ft)	$5,500 – $7,500	30-40 days	For smaller trucks, better protection
Flat Rack	$6,500 – $8,500	30-40 days	For 8×4 dump trucks

Step 3: Required Documents for KRA Clearance

Bill of Lading (original)
Commercial Invoice (showing FOB value, freight, insurance)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (Form A for preferential duty?)
Import Declaration Form (IDF) – obtained from Kenya TradeNet system
Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Motor Vehicle Registration Application (form from NTSA)
KRA PIN certificate
Tax Compliance Certificate (for clearing agent)

Step 4: Import Duty Calculation for Trucks in Kenya

Kenya uses the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff. For trucks (HS Code 8704.23):

Component	Rate	Calculated On
Import Duty	25%	CIF Value
IDF (Import Declaration Fee)	2%	CIF Value
RDL (Railway Development Levy)	1.5%	CIF Value
VAT	16%	CIF + Duty + IDF + RDL

Sample Calculation: HOWO 6×4 Tractor (CIF $50,000)

Import Duty (25%): $12,500
IDF (2%): $1,000
RDL (1.5%): $750
Subtotal for VAT: $50,000 + $12,500 + $1,000 + $750 = $64,250
VAT (16%): $10,280
Total Taxes Payable: $24,530
Plus port charges: approx. $1,200-1,800
Total Landed Cost: $50,000 + $24,530 + $1,500 = $76,030

Step 5: Engage a Clearing Agent

You must use a licensed clearing agent registered with KRA. They will:

Submit entries via Kenya TradeNet System
Arrange for KRA inspection
Pay duties on your behalf (you provide funds)
Arrange transport from port

Clearing agent fees: KES 50,000-100,000 ($400-800) depending on truck value.

Step 6: KRA Verification and Physical Inspection

KRA may select your shipment for verification (red lane). This involves:

Physical inspection of container/truck at port or ICD
Verification of chassis number, engine number
Check of vehicle specifications against declaration
If discrepancies found, penalties apply (up to 200% of duty)

Step 7: NTSA Registration and Number Plates

After customs clearance, register with NTSA:

Visit NTSA center with customs entry, invoice, IDF
Pay registration fees (KES 10,000-15,000)
Obtain number plates and logbook
Install speed limiter if not already fitted
Obtain road service license (annual fee based on vehicle weight)

Step 8: First Service and Operations

Before putting your new Chinese truck to work:

Complete first service (oil, filters, grease) – important after shipping
Check tyre pressures (adjust for local roads)
Verify all lights and safety equipment
Consider GPS tracking for security

Kenya Importer Tip: Many importers use the Port of Mombasa’s Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Nairobi to clear trucks, saving time and avoiding Mombasa congestion. Trucks are shipped on RORO vessels and then driven to Nairobi under bond.

Popular Routes for Imported Trucks in Kenya

Mombasa-Nairobi: Container haulage, general freight (500km)
Nairobi-Kampala (Uganda): Regional transit (1,100km)
Nairobi-Kisumu: Western Kenya (350km)
Nairobi-Moyale (Ethiopia border): Northern corridor (800km)
Mombasa-Nairobi-Malaba (Uganda border): Northern corridor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Importing LHD truck – will be rejected or require expensive conversion
Under-declaring value – KRA has access to market prices, penalties apply
Not checking age limit – trucks older than 8 years cannot be registered
Ignoring Euro 5 requirement – new regulations effective 2024
Using unlicensed clearing agent – can lead to delays and fines

                ✅ Ready to import to Kenya? Contact us for RHD trucks that meet KRA requirements. We can recommend trusted clearing agents in Mombasa.
            