The Zen Cars Step by Step Guide to Importing Your Vehicle from Japan

Kenya's roads are filled with quality, reliable, and value-packed vehicles imported from Japan. But for many, the process of bringing that dream car from a Japanese auction house to your driveway in Nairobi or Mombasa can seem complicated. It is also filled with uncertainties on whether you are dealing with a genuine supplier or fraudsters in Kenya or Japan, who may wipe out your hard-earned cash.

That's where Zen Cars steps in. We specialize in making the car import journey from Japan to Kenya seamless, transparent, and stress-free. Forget the paperwork nightmares and unexpected costs—we handle every detail for you within 40 – 55 days.

Here is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to importing your next car with the Zen Cars team.

The Zen Cars 8-step import journey

We have refined the car importation process into eight clear steps, ensuring you are informed and confident from the first click to the final handover.

1. Establish contact & initial consultation

Your journey begins the moment you reach out. You can contact us via our website, social media, email or phone. You can also visit us at our office at 689 Place Mall in Karen, Nairobi.

Your role: Share your preferences! Tell us the specific make, model, year, mileage, and your budget.

• Zen cars' role: our import expert will conduct an initial consultation to understand your exact needs and discuss Kenyan import regulations (e.g., the 8-year age limit and Right-Hand Drive requirement etc.).

2. Vehicle selection & sourcing

Based on your specifications, our expert team immediately gets to work sourcing the best possible options from trusted Japanese auctions and dealer networks.

• Zen Cars' role: We provide a curated shortlist of vehicles, complete with detailed specifications and high-resolution images.
• Your role: Review the options, and once you make your choice, we provide you with a full, transparent breakdown of the total landing cost, including all estimated duties and fees.

3. Confirmation and agreement

Once you've settled on the perfect car, we formalize the purchase. Transparency is key at this stage.

• Zen Cars' role: We share a sales agreement outlining the terms, conditions, and the full cost breakdown.
• Your role: You make the initial deposit (typically a minimum of 20% of the C&F - Cost, and Freight) to secure the vehicle.

4. Vehicle acquisition & inspection

With the deposit secured, we proceed to purchase your vehicle from Japan. This is immediately followed by a mandatory compliance check.

• Zen Cars' role: We manage the purchase and then coordinate the pre-shipment inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent (QISJ) to obtain the crucial Certificate of Roadworthiness.
• Your role: Top up your payment to approximately 50% of the CIF cost to facilitate transport to the Japanese port and shipping arrangements.

5. Inspection, shipping & tracking

Once the car is inspected and certified, it is ready to be loaded onto the vessel headed for Mombasa.

• Zen Cars' role: We secure a shipping slot, manage the logistics, and obtain the Export Certificate and Bill of Lading (B/L). Shipping usually takes about 4-6 weeks. We keep you updated with a shipping schedule and tracking information.
• Your role: Relax and track your car's progress across the ocean! You can see your car movement live from Japan to Kenya.

6. Ship arrival and customs clearance

The vessel arrives at the Port of Mombasa, and the car is offloaded—the final phase of the import process begins!

• Zen Cars' role: Our experienced clearing agents manage the complex customs process. We inform you of the exact duty amount payable to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and guide you through the payment.
• Your role: Pay the remaining balance on the vehicle's CIF cost (needed upon issuance of B/L copy or latest 10 days to car arrival – ETA), and the requisite KRA duties and taxes (Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, RDL, and IDF).

7. Vehicle registration & number plates

With customs clearance complete and duties paid, your car is officially ready to become a Kenyan vehicle.

• Zen Cars' role: We handle the application for registration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), ensuring your vehicle receives its official Kenyan logbook and number plates.
• Pro-Tip: We advise clients to organize for comprehensive insurance coverage before the vehicle leaves the port.

8. Vehicle delivery & after-sales support

The best part! Your car is delivered and handed over, officially marking the completion of the import process.

• Zen Cars' role: We arrange the delivery to your preferred location. Even after delivery, our team is available for any questions you might have, providing dedicated after-sales support.

Why choose Zen Cars?

Importing a vehicle is a significant investment. Choosing the right partner means the difference between a nightmare and a dream come true.

• 100% transparency: We provide a no-surprise, all-inclusive cost breakdown from the start.
• Expert compliance: We ensure the car meets all Kenyan regulations (age, KEBS inspection, RHD) to avoid issues at the port.
• End-to-End service: From sourcing in Japan to final NTSA registration, we handle everything.

Ready to drive your Japanese dream car?

Get started today!

Contact the Zen Cars team for a free, no-obligation consultation on your next import.