If you’re planning to import a 2018 vehicle from the UK to Kenya, this is the final call for RORO in 2025. Don’t miss the cutoff.
- Vessel: Liberty Ace (Sheerness)
- RORO Closing Date (Sheerness): 17/10/2025
- ETA Mombasa: 21/11/2025
Important: The 17/10/2025 closing date applies to RORO shipments. Weekly container and mixed-container shipments can still be arranged until the first week of November, subject to availability.
For costs, timelines, and step-by-step guidance, see: Import Car UK to Kenya
Why there’s a rush: Kenya’s 8‑Year Age Limit (What it is and where it came from)
Kenya enforces an eight‑year age limit on used vehicle imports, calculated from the Year of First Registration. This stems from the Kenya Standard KS 1515 and the Verification of Conformity framework, requiring that imported vehicles:
- Be less than eight years old from first registration
- Be right‑hand drive (with narrow exemptions)
- Pass pre‑shipment roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS‑appointed agent
See the official guidance from the Kenya Revenue Authority: KRA – Importation procedure for Motor Vehicle.
The practical effect is a sharp end‑of‑year deadline. Each January 1, the window “rolls forward” by one year. For example, KEBS explicitly reminded importers in late 2024 that 2017‑registered vehicles had to arrive and clear by Dec 31, 2024; from Jan 1, 2025, only vehicles first registered from 2018 onward would be allowed into Kenya (Kenyans.co.ke coverage of the KEBS notice).
What happens if you ship too late? Real‑world consequences
Kenya’s end‑of‑year rollovers are strictly enforced. Past seasons have shown that missing the cutoff can be costly:
- Port detentions and compliance disputes: In 2021, a shipment of roughly 20,000 vehicles was reportedly held at the Port of Mombasa for months amid disagreements over how the eight‑year limit was computed across agencies, compounded by COVID‑era shipping delays. Importers faced the risk of non‑compliance, additional costs, and even potential re‑export for some units (Kenyans.co.ke).
- Invalidation at rollover: KEBS’ annual notices clarify that vehicles older than the permitted year become non‑compliant after the deadline—even if they were purchased and shipped—unless they arrive and clear before the date (Kenyans.co.ke).
- Knock‑on costs: Storage, demurrage, inspection re‑runs, and—worst case—re‑export or disposal risk for non‑compliant vehicles.
Bottom line: booking the final RORO and, if needed, a backup container option before the November rollover is the safest route.
At‑a‑glance: End‑of‑Year Age‑Limit Rollovers
The table below summarises the typical year‑end transitions and what importers experience. Always confirm current rules with KEBS/KRA at the time of booking.
| Clearance Year | Oldest Allowed First Registration (effective Jan 1) | Year‑End Deadline Notes | Observed/Reported Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2016+ | Dec 31, 2023 cutoff for 2016 CoR | Standard rollover, tight Q4 capacity |
| 2024 | 2017+ | Dec 31, 2024 cutoff for 2017 CoR | KEBS public reminder; strict clearance by 31/12 (source) |
| 2025 | 2018+ | Dec 31, 2025 cutoff for 2018 CoR | This is the current season; RORO/containers filling fast |
| 2021 (case) | 2013+ | COVID‑era delays, agency computation disputes | ~20,000 units reportedly held at Mombasa for months (source) |
Notes:
- “First Registration” refers to the original registration date in the country of origin.
- Pre‑shipment inspection and right‑hand‑drive requirements also apply (KRA).
Your options right now
- Book RORO by 17/10/2025 for Liberty Ace (Sheerness) with ETA Mombasa 21/11/2025.
- If you miss RORO: We can arrange weekly container and mixed‑container shipments until the first week of November, subject to availability.
- Unsure which method suits your vehicle? We’ll advise on transit times, costs, documentation, and clearance strategy—all aligned with KEBS/KRA requirements.
Plan your import with confidence: Import Car UK to Kenya
Have questions about eligibility, timelines, or how “Year of First Registration” is computed against the eight‑year rule? Our team will help you secure space and stay compliant before the 2018 window closes.