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IMPORT GUIDE · CHECKED 6 OCTOBER 2026

Importing construction machinery into Kenya

Excavators, loaders, bulldozers and graders (HS 8429) enter Kenya at 0% import duty under the EAC common external tariff. VAT and levies add 20.5% of the customs value. On a machine with a $100,000 customs value, that is $20,500 in taxes at entry.

Import taxes on machinery in Kenya

Tax Rate Charged on On $100,000
Import duty 0% Customs value (CIF) $0
VAT 16% Customs value + duty $16,000
Import declaration fee 2.5% Customs value (CIF) $2,500
Railway development levy 2% Customs value (CIF) $2,000
Total taxes at entry $20,500

Worked example on a $100,000 customs value (cost, insurance and freight). Every lane page has a calculator for your own figures.

Before the machine ships

Pre-shipment inspection
KEBS pre-export verification (PVoC): the machine is inspected before loading and a certificate of conformity issued.
Age limit for used units
Used construction machinery must be no more than 20 years from manufacture, with service records showing it is serviceable.
Customs system
KenTrade single window
Documents you will need
Commercial invoice, packing list (listing attachments shipped loose) and the bill of lading.

Guides by where you buy

From China → From India → From Japan → From South Korea → From United Arab Emirates → From United States →

Sea routes into Kenya

From To Sea days
Busan, South Korea Mombasa 25
Houston, United States Mombasa 64
Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates Mombasa 7–12
Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru), India Mombasa 11–14
Qingdao, China Mombasa 30–35
Shanghai, China Mombasa 20–28
Yokohama, Japan Mombasa 34

Lane guides by machine

SOURCES · CHECKED 6 OCTOBER 2026