Buying & selling guides

Practical advice for buying, importing and selling cars in Kenya.

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Inspection checklist

Tick through it on your phone at the viewing, or print it.

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Logbook transfer

The NTSA eCitizen transfer, step by step, with fees.

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Insurance estimator

Comprehensive vs third party, in KSh, for any car.

How to buy a used car in Kenya

1Set a total budget that includes transfer fees, insurance, a service and a few spare tyres — not just the asking price.
2Decide between foreign used (recently imported, usually lower mileage) and locally used (already registered in Kenya, often cheaper).
3Shortlist two or three models and read our reviews to understand running costs and common problems.
4Compare similar cars on Garika by year, mileage and condition so you know a fair price before you call.
5Always inspect in daylight and take a trusted mechanic or a professional inspection service.

1Never send a deposit, 'booking fee' or 'clearing charges' to hold a car you haven't seen.
2Search the registration number on eCitizen (NTSA) to confirm the owner's name, chassis and engine numbers match the logbook.
3Check that the seller's national ID matches the name on the logbook, or that they have written authority to sell.
4Be wary of prices far below market — that is the most common sign of a scam.
5Use a written sale agreement and complete the transfer on the NTSA portal before handing over the full payment.
6Meet in a busy public place, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash — use a bank transfer or banker's cheque.

1Kenya only allows the import of used vehicles that are no more than eight years old from the year of first registration.
2Imported vehicles must pass a pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection in the country of export.
3Budget for import duty, excise duty, VAT, the import declaration fee and railway development levy on top of the car's price — these can exceed the purchase price.
4Check the current KRA CRSP (current retail selling price) schedule to estimate duty before you commit.

1Price it right: check what similar cars are listed for on Garika and price competitively.
2Clean the car thoroughly and take 8–12 clear photos in daylight — front, rear, sides, interior, dashboard and engine.
3Be honest in the description: service history, number of owners, any repairs. Honest listings get serious buyers.
4Have your logbook, ID and KRA PIN ready so the transfer is quick.
5Respond quickly to calls and WhatsApp messages — buyers move on fast.

Rules and fees change — always confirm current requirements with KRA, KEBS and NTSA.