The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a significant overhaul of the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) framework for motor vehicles, , leading to substantial increases in import duties for several popular car models.
The revised pricing template, which determines taxes on imported vehicles, aims to reflect current market dynamics and economic conditions.
The new framework has nearly doubled the import duty for some models, while others have seen reductions. For instance, the import duty on a Toyota Vitz Hybrid has surged from Ksh.. 319,501($2,467) to Ksh . 508,927($3,938), and the duty on a Mazda Demio diesel variant has risen sharply from Ksh—244,000 ($1,888) to Ksh 564,000($4,365). Local car dealers have expressed concerns that these changes will increase costs for buyers of popular models.
KRA explained that the revision, the first since 2019, was prompted by significant changes in the automotive sector, including the introduction of new vehicle models, fluctuating exchange rates, and adjustments in import and excise duties.
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“In 2019, the exchange rate was approximately Ksh.100 to the US dollar, while in 2025, it stands at around Ksh.130,” KRA noted in a statement. Additionally, the import duty rate has increased from 25% to 35%, and excise duty rates for some vehicles have risen from 30% to 35%.
The updated CRSP framework incorporates detailed model specifications, such as trim levels and vehicle performance, moving beyond the 2019 model that relied solely on engine capacity and drive configuration. The new list includes over 5,200 unique car models, a significant expansion from the previous 3,000, and KRA has committed to ongoing updates to account for new models not listed in sources like the Japanese Yearbooks or Goo-net.
The revision process involved extensive stakeholder consultations, with KRA inviting public feedback to ensure transparency. “The new CRSP is a product of a comprehensive consultative process in which stakeholder input was considered,” the authority stated.
