So your car has finally landed at the ICD in Nairobi, but the thought of clearing it through KRA and the port is giving you a headache. You know the process can be slow and expensive if you miss one step.
This guide breaks down the entire clearance process into simple, practical steps you can follow yourself. Pole, it is not instant but by following this, you can avoid common delays and get your car out in a few days.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about stepping into the ICD, you must have your paperwork sorted. Missing one document can send you back home and cost you extra storage fees.
- Original Bill of Lading: This is your proof of ownership from the shipping line. Your clearing agent or the shipping line will give it to you once the vessel arrives.
- Import Declaration Form (IDF): You apply for this online through the iTax portal. It costs a small fee of around KES 1,000 and is valid for 30 days.
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR): This is the critical KRA document showing the duty you must pay. You get this after submitting your IDF and invoice to KRA.
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List: The seller provides these. They must show the exact value, make, and model of your vehicle.
- Logbook or Certificate of Registration: The original registration document from the country of origin. If it is missing, you will face serious delays.
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Inspection: Your car must pass a roadworthiness inspection at the port. The fee is about KES 5,000, paid at the KEBS office.
Step-by-Step: How to Clear an Imported Vehicle at ICD Nairobi in Kenya
These seven steps will take you from a stuck container to driving your car out. Expect the entire process to take between three to seven working days if your documents are in order.
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Step 1: Submit Your Documents to KRA for PAAR
Log into the iTax portal and submit your IDF, invoice, and bill of lading. The system will generate your Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) within 24 hours. This tells you exactly how much import duty you owe.
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Step 2: Pay Import Duty and VAT at the Bank
Take your PAAR to any KRA-authorised bank like KCB or Equity and pay the assessed amount. Customs duty is 25% of the CIF value while VAT is 16%. Keep the payment receipt safe — you will need it for release.
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Step 3: Get Your Car Inspected by KEBS
Go to the KEBS office inside ICD and present your documents for a physical vehicle inspection. They check the chassis number, engine number, and overall roadworthiness. The fee is KES 5,000 and you must be present with the car.
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Step 4: Process Exemption or Apply for a KRA Waiver (If Applicable)
If you are a returning Kenyan diplomat or have a special exemption, submit your application through the KRA customs office at ICD. This step is not for everyone but if it applies to you, do not skip it or you will overpay.
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Step 5: Submit Your Documents to the Shipping Line
Take your stamped PAAR, duty payment receipt, and original bill of lading to the shipping line’s office at ICD. They will issue a delivery order (DO) which authorises the container terminal to release your vehicle.
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Step 6: Pay Storage and Terminal Handling Charges
Go to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) cashier at ICD and pay any accrued storage fees. The first few days are free but after that you pay KES 2,500 per day. Also pay the container deposit fee of about KES 10,000.
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Step 7: Collect Your Car and Drive Out
Present your delivery order, KPA receipts, and KRA release note at the gate. The security will verify and open the container. Inspect your car quickly for any damage, then drive it out. Congratulations — your car is finally cleared.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your PAAR is taking too long to come out
This usually happens when your IDF has a typo or your invoice value looks suspicious to KRA. Visit the KRA customs desk at ICD directly with your documents. Do not wait for days — go in person and ask them to verify your submission.
The chassis number on the logbook does not match the car
This is a common issue with reconditioned vehicles from Japan. You must get a KEBS verification letter confirming the correct chassis number. Take the car and both documents to the KEBS office at ICD for a physical re-inspection.
Storage fees are piling up because of a delay
If the delay is not your fault, write a formal letter to the KPA terminal manager requesting a rebate. Attach your delivery order and proof of payment. If it is your fault, just pay up quickly — the charges increase every day.
KRA has flagged your vehicle for a customs valuation
This happens when your declared value is too low. You will need to provide a proforma invoice from the seller or a valuation report from a KRA-approved valuer. Visit the KRA valuation section at Times Tower or the ICD office to resolve it.
Cost and Timeline for How to Clear an Imported Vehicle at ICD Nairobi in Kenya
Clearing your car at ICD Nairobi involves several fixed government fees and some variable costs. These rates apply across Kenya but storage charges vary slightly by port location.
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Import Declaration Form (IDF) | 1,000 | Instant online |
| Customs Duty (25% of CIF value) | Varies by car value | 1 day after payment |
| VAT (16% of CIF + duty) | Varies by car value | 1 day after payment |
| KEBS Inspection Fee | 5,000 | Same day if queued early |
| KPA Storage (first 3 days free) | 2,500 per extra day | Daily charge |
| Container Deposit Fee | 10,000 (refundable) | One-time payment |
| Shipping Line Delivery Order Fee | 3,000 – 5,000 | 1 day |
Most Kenyans do not anticipate the container deposit fee which is refundable after returning the empty container. Also budget for transport costs to and from ICD, plus a small fee for a clearing agent if you use one — usually around KES 10,000 to 15,000.
The Bottom Line
Clearing your imported vehicle at ICD Nairobi is not as complicated as people make it sound. The secret is having all your documents ready before you step into the port and paying your duty on time to avoid those painful storage charges.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who is about to import their first car. And if you have any tips from your own experience clearing at ICD, drop them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Clear an Imported Vehicle at ICD Nairobi in Kenya
Can I clear my imported vehicle at ICD Nairobi without a clearing agent?
Yes, you can do it yourself if you have all your documents and enough time to queue at the various offices. Many Kenyans do it successfully.
However, if this is your first time, the process can be confusing. A good agent saves you from costly mistakes and long delays.
How long does it take to clear a car at ICD Nairobi?
If your documents are complete and duty is paid on time, expect three to five working days. Delays usually come from KRA valuation or missing paperwork.
Storage charges start after three free days, so aim to finish everything within that window to avoid extra costs.
What happens if my car fails the KEBS inspection at ICD?
KEBS will give you a list of defects to fix. You must repair the car at a garage within the port area and bring it back for a re-inspection.
The re-inspection fee is about KES 2,500. Common failures include faulty lights, worn tyres, or mismatched chassis numbers.
Do I pay VAT and import duty at the KRA office or online?
You pay at any KRA-authorised bank using your PAAR document. KCB, Equity, and Cooperative Bank all accept these payments at their branches near ICD.
You cannot pay online through iTax yet for customs duty. You must physically go to the bank with your printed PAAR.
What should I do if my car has been at ICD for weeks without clearing?
First, check if your PAAR is still valid. If it has expired, you need to reapply on iTax and pay a penalty of about KES 10,000.
Visit the KRA customs office at ICD immediately to understand the hold-up. Storage fees will be high but paying them is the only way to release your car.