How Long Does It Really Take to Import a Car to Kenya from Japan?
By Super Admin · Updated
"Bora gari ifike ndani ya 45 days!"* While 45 days is the dream, over 10 years in the car import business has taught me one big lesson—the timeline isn't always set in stone.
Let’s break down where the time actually goes before your machine lands at the Port of Mombasa.
1. Selection & Export Certificate: Once you win that bid at the Japan auctions, the car must be deregistered to get an Export Certificate. Standard Time: 1 to 3 weeks.
2. QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection: KEBS requires all vehicles to pass a Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) check. Standard Time:1 to 4 weeks (booking and testing).
3. The "Fail & Repair" Wildcard: If the car fails QISJ inspection, it goes for repairs in Japan and gets re-inspected. Extra Time: Up to 4 weeks.
4. Ocean Freight: Once it passes inspection, it is booked for shipping and it hits the high seas bound for Mombasa. Standard Time: 4 weeks on the water.
Best vs. Worst Case Scenario
Best Case - 6 Weeks (1.5 Months) Smooth sailing, quick paperwork, zero inspection hitches. Worst Case - 15 Weeks (~4 Months) Delays in deregistration, QISJ fails, and repair re-inspection.
*Pro-Tip:* Some Japanese exporters pre-ship vehicles by handling deregistration and QISJ inspection beforehand, which drastically cuts down your waiting time.
Why the Wait is 100% Worth It
Waiting for your car to come can test your patience, but the payoff is massive. You get to choose your exact specs, verify authentic mileage, and inspect the original auction report yourself.
Trust me, it’s always worth it.
Ask me nicely and next time and I’ll tell you about that time in 2018, when a massive typhoon in Japan made a client wait a whole 6 months for his Mazda Atenza!