Import Guide

KEBS inspection, explained

Every vehicle imported into Kenya must pass a KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) roadworthiness inspection before shipping. Here's what the rules mean and how Monafriq handles the process for you.

Handled by Monafriq, end-to-end

When you import through Monafriq, the KEBS inspection is arranged and completed in Japan before your car ships. You never deal with the bureaucracy directly — we share the certificate with you along with the auction sheet.

The rules

What KEBS requires

The vehicle must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration
Right-hand drive only — left-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted
Roadworthiness inspection passed at origin before shipping
Odometer reading verified against auction and service records
No structural accident damage or chassis corrosion
A valid Certificate of Roadworthiness accompanies the shipment

How it works

From auction to certificate

1

Vehicle selected at auction

We verify the car's condition and history via auction sheets before purchase.

2

Inspection booked in Japan

The vehicle is booked for its KEBS roadworthiness inspection at an accredited centre.

3

95 checkpoints, KEBS standards

Mechanical condition, mileage verification, structural integrity and emissions are checked.

4

Certificate issued

A Certificate of Roadworthiness is issued and travels with the vehicle's shipping documents.

5

Shipping and clearance

Your car ships to Mombasa in 27–30 days; we clear it through customs and register it.

Why it matters

A car without a valid KEBS certificate cannot clear Kenyan customs — it will be held at the port, at the importer's cost. Importing through Monafriq means this can't happen to you: we don't ship a car until its certificate is issued.

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