KRA car duty calculator Kenya updated 2025
We are delighted to announce that our KRA motor vehicle import duty calculator is updated with the current CRSP rates and the correct method for KRA car import duty calculations for Kenya.
Our prestige car duty calculator calculates the car import duty for prestige cars when imported to Kenya. This duty calculator is using the new import duty level of 35% (effective 1st July 2023) and the 2019 Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) in line with the KRA directive issued in Aug 2020. We have tailored the KRA 2019 CRSP to focus on the prestige cars most suited to our clients.
Kenya KRA Car Duty Calculator
Select the car make, model, trim, fuel and age from the boxes below for the current Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) import duty evaluation. The calculator will provide the current KRA CRSP value from which it calculates the depreciation to give you the Customs Value. It then gives you the Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, IDF Fee, RDL, registration. Summarised as Total Taxes, MV Registration Fee and Duties Payable.
Enter Car Details to Calculate Duty:
How is car duty calculated in Kenya?
The Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) of your vehicle is provided by the KRA. The KRA compares the CRSP value and the actual invoice value of the car and uses the higher of the two. Customs value is then calculated by applying the depreciation to the CRSP value. The excise duty, import duty, VAT and the IDF Fee are all calculated from the customs value.
This calculation is as follows:
KRA provide the current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) for your vehicle.
Customs Value is the CRSP value with depreciation applied.
Import Duty is 35% of the Customs Value.
Excise Duty is 20% of the Customs Value + Import Duty.
VAT is 16% of the Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty.
IDF Fee 3.5% of the Customs Value.
RDL Fee is 2% of the Customs Value.
These calculations are our best guide based on the information provided by the KRA. The KRA reserve the right to appraise each car’s value according to their professional opinion taking the invoice value, modifications and enhancements into account.
What Influences Car Import Duty?
Determining the value of the car does not rely on the CRSP alone. The CRSP value is compared to the invoice value for the vehicle and the higher value is used.
Depreciation applied is influenced by the age of the vehicle. When the level of depreciation is established it is applied to the value of the vehicle to determine the customs value.
*Excise duty is influenced by the engine size of the vehicle. If your engine size differs from the CRSP line, the KRA may adjust the duty payable accordingly.
The fuel (diesel, petrol, hybrid or electric) will affect the amount of excise duty.
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Kenya Car Duty FAQs
Q: How is car duty calculated in Kenya?
The Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) of your vehicle is provided by the KRA. The KRA compares the CRSP value and the actual invoice value of the car and uses the higher of the two. Customs value is then calculated by applying the depreciation to the CRSP value. From excise duty, import duty, VAT and the IDF Fee are all calculated from the customs value.
This calculation is as follows:
KRA provide the current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) for your vehicle.
Customs Value is the CRSP value with depreciation applied.
Import Duty is 35% of the Customs Value.
Excise Duty is 20% of the Customs Value + Import Duty.
VAT is 16% of the Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty.
IDF Fee 3.5% of the Customs Value or a minimum of KES 5,000 whichever is higher.
RDL Fee is 2% of the Customs Value.
For a more detailed explanation we have blog page explaining how to calculate car import duty correctly with examples and common problems explained.
Q: What Influences Car Import Duty?
Determining the value of the car does not rely on the CRSP alone. The CRSP value is compared to the invoice value for the vehicle and the higher value is used.
Depreciation applied is influenced by the age of the vehicle. When the level of depreciation is established it is applied to the value of the vehicle to determine the customs value.
Excise duty is influenced by the engine size of the vehicle.
The fuel (diesel, petrol, hybrid or electric) will affect the amount of excise duty.
Q: Which CRSP is this calculator using?
This duty calculator is using the current 2019 CRSP which was reinstated in August 2020 following a court ruling which halted the controversial 2020 CRSP. For details please referred to the Changes to Calculating Car Import Duties for Kenya page. Please note the KRA website is currently set to the 2020 CRSP and not the reinstated 2019 CRSP.
Q: Why do other duty calculators give different values?
Calculating car import duty correctly requires a clear understanding of the calculation and for the online calculator to be correct. It is critical that the calculator you use is using the correct CRSP and has been updated with the new import duty level of 35%. Our investigation into calculating car import duty correctly revealed that many online calculators are using incorrect information and calculations are not being applied correctly.
Q: Why can’t I find my car in the Duty Calculator?
We have streamlined the KRA’s CRSP to provide the calculation for prestige cars. This is designed to simplify the very complex document for and focus on the cars which are most relevant to our clients.
Q: Who is eligible for duty-free car importation in Kenya?
Specific conditions and documentation are required to qualify for these exemptions.
Certain individuals may qualify for duty free car imports when importing vehicles to Kenya.
Returning Residents: Kenyans who have lived abroad for at least two years and are relocating back to Kenya may import one personal vehicle duty-free, provided they have owned and used it for at least one year.
Diplomats: Foreign diplomats accredited in Kenya may import vehicles duty-free under diplomatic privileges.
Q: What is the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP), and how does it affect import duty?
The CRSP is a valuation benchmark used by KRA to determine the value of imported vehicles. It reflects the local market price of a vehicle model and is adjusted for depreciation based on the vehicle's age. The CRSP is instrumental in calculating the CIF value, which in turn affects the total import duty payable.
Q: Are electric or hybrid vehicles subject to the same import duties?
Electric and hybrid vehicles are subject to import duties; however, they may benefit from reduced excise duty rates as part of Kenya's initiative to promote environmentally friendly transportation. It's advisable to consult the latest KRA guidelines or a licensed clearing agent for current rates.
Q: How can I estimate the total cost of importing a car into Kenya?
To estimate the total importation cost:
- Determine the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
- Calculate Import Duty (25% of CIF).
- Add Excise Duty (based on engine capacity).
- Add VAT (16% of CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty).
- Include IDF (3.5% of CIF or KES 5,000 minimum).
- Add RDL (2% of CIF).
Q: How do I know the depreciation rate applied to my car for duty calculation?
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) applies a standard depreciation rate to determine the customs value of used vehicles. This depreciation is based on the age of the car from the year of first registration. For example:
1 year old: 85% of CRSP
2 years old: 70%
3 years old: 60%
4 years old: 50%
5 years old: 40%
6 years old: 35%
7 years old: 30%
8 years old: 25%
This percentage is used to calculate the vehicle’s value for duty purposes. It’s important to note that CRSP and depreciation values are published and updated by KRA.
Q: Is the import duty the same for all types of vehicles?
No, import duties and taxes vary depending on the type of vehicle:
Passenger cars (saloon, hatchback, SUV) are charged standard rates.
Pickups and vans may attract lower excise duty.
Buses and minibuses often have different duty structures.
Commercial vehicles, such as trucks or lorries, may be exempt from excise duty depending on engine capacity and use.
Motorcycles generally attract lower rates compared to cars.
Checking the applicable tax band for your specific vehicle category is essential before importing.
Q: Can I use the KRA online calculator to get an exact duty figure?
The KRA online car duty calculator provides a helpful estimate based on the model, year of manufacture, engine size, and fuel type. However, it's not always 100% precise because:
It uses generic CRSP data (not all trims or specs may be included).
Final charges may depend on physical inspection results, including mileage and condition.
Currency exchange rates and shipping costs can affect the CIF value used in final calculations.
For the most accurate estimate, use the calculator for guidance and consult a licensed clearing agent or car import professional for confirmation.
