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Left Hand Drive Vehicles for Returning Residents

A Kenyan Resident returning from a country that operates Left Hand Drive (LHD) motor vehicles shall be allowed to import a replacement Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicle from any other source subject to the following conditions:

    • The person must be bona fide changing residence (Permanently) from a place outside Kenya and not merely making temporary visits back home.
    • The person must fulfill all the requirements for importation of personal and household effects by a returning resident as outlined under paragraph 5 of part B of the 5th schedule to the east African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
    • The returning resident must proof that he/she owned and personally used a LHD vehicle in the country of former residence for a period of at least one year, prior to his/her return.
    • The returning resident must provide proof of disposal (Transfer of ownership) of the previous owned LHD vehicle before changing residence from the former country of residence.
    • The current retail selling price (CRSP) of the RHD replacement vehicle shall not exceed that of previously owned LHD vehicle.
    • Both the previously owned LHD vehicle and the RHD replacement vehicle shall not be of any of the following categories:
      • Bus or Minibuses of a seating capacity of more than 13 passengers
      • Load carrying vehicles of load carrying capacity exceeding two tones

These guidelines shall only apply to residents returning from countries that operate LHD motor vehicles who had previously owned and used a LHD vehicle in the country of former residence.

Required Documents:

Supporting documents should be attached including but not limited to:

    • Passport – original, (if issued within last 2 years, the old passport is also required)
    • Residence Visa/Work Permit – original
    • PIN Certificate obtained through the Kenya Revenue Authority
    • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill original
    • Comprehensive Valued Inventory 3 copies, detailed per box /boxes numbered, signed by owner
    • Comprehensive Packing List
    • Authority letter Nominating a licensed custom clearing agent to act on their behalf
    • Original logbook from country of importation in case of motor vehicle

More information is available on: https://kra.go.ke/en/individual/importing/learn-about-importation/importing-goods