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    Shipping Cars to Port of Mombasa, Mombasa

    Kenya · UN/LOCODE KEMBA

    The Port of Mombasa, operated by the Kenya Ports Authority, is East Africa's largest and busiest port, serving as the main sea gateway not only for Kenya but for landlocked Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DR Congo. It handles a substantial volume of used-vehicle imports from the UK, a key source market given Kenya's right-hand drive convention.. See our shipping to Kenya guide or request a quote.

    Services

    RORO, Container (FCL & shared), Breakbulk

    Transit Time

    20–26 days from Southampton via the Suez Canal

    UK Ports

    Southampton, Tilbury

    Region

    Africa

    Overview

    The Port of Mombasa, operated by the Kenya Ports Authority, is East Africa's largest and busiest port, serving as the main sea gateway not only for Kenya but for landlocked Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DR Congo. It handles a substantial volume of used-vehicle imports from the UK, a key source market given Kenya's right-hand drive convention.

    Terminal & Vessel Facilities

    The Kilindini Harbour vehicle terminal has dedicated RORO berths and container yards, plus bonded warehousing for vehicles awaiting Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) valuation and clearance. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) provides onward freight capacity to Nairobi and the East African interior for vehicles being distributed regionally.

    Typical Transit Time from the UK

    20–26 days from Southampton via the Suez Canal.

    UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.

    Customs & Clearance Notes

    Kenya restricts used-vehicle imports to those no more than 8 years old from the year of first registration, verified via a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) roadworthiness inspection carried out before shipment (typically in the UK via an approved inspection agency such as QISJ or similar). Import duty, excise duty and VAT combined can total well over 60% of the vehicle's value depending on engine size and age.

    Collection & Storage

    Free storage at Mombasa is typically 4–9 days depending on cargo type, after which the Kenya Ports Authority applies daily storage charges that increase progressively the longer cargo remains. We recommend pre-clearing KRA duty assessment wherever possible before the vessel arrives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old can a car be to import into Kenya via Mombasa?
    Kenya restricts used-vehicle imports to a maximum of 8 years from the year of first registration, verified through a pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection in the UK before the vehicle is loaded.
    What pre-shipment inspection is required for Kenya?
    An approved inspection agency must certify the vehicle's roadworthiness and confirm its age before export; we coordinate this inspection as part of the booking process for all Mombasa-bound vehicles.
    Does Mombasa serve countries other than Kenya?
    Yes, Mombasa is the principal sea gateway for landlocked Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and parts of eastern DR Congo, with onward transport via road and the Standard Gauge Railway.
    How much tax will I pay importing a car through Mombasa?
    Combined import duty, excise duty and VAT can exceed 60% of the vehicle's assessed value depending on engine capacity and age, so we recommend getting a landed-cost estimate before shipping.
    How long does shipping from the UK to Mombasa take?
    Typically 20 to 26 days via the Suez Canal, depending on the carrier's specific East Africa rotation.

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