Last Chance for 2019 Vehicles: October 2026 UK–Mombasa RoRo Sailing Update
If you are planning to import a UK vehicle into Kenya in 2026, 2019 first-registration vehicles are now the oldest vehicles you should be considering.
The next UK-to-Mombasa RoRo departure on 23 September 2026 is now too close for many buyers to source, inspect, complete KEBS requirements and deliver their vehicle to port. We are therefore waiting for the next October 2026 RoRo shipping schedule to be confirmed.
October UK-to-Mombasa RoRo sailing: awaiting carrier confirmation.
Register your vehicle requirements early so we can update you as soon as the next suitable sailing and booking cut-off are released.
At CarLuv, we help buyers source quality UK cars, arrange checks and pre-shipment inspection, organise export documentation, ship to Mombasa and assist with clearing and forwarding in Kenya.
Request a UK car sourcing and shipping quote
Why 2019 vehicles matter in 2026
Kenya applies an eight-year vehicle-import rule. For used vehicles entering Kenya in 2026, buyers should focus on vehicles with a first-registration year of 2019 or later. The Kenya Revenue Authority also requires an imported vehicle to be right-hand drive and subject to roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed inspection agent in the export country.[kra.go]
This means a good 2019 UK vehicle can still be a strong option for a Kenyan buyer—but the paperwork and shipping timeline must be managed carefully.
Kenya vehicle eligibility guide for 2026
| Vehicle first registered | 2026 Kenya import position | CarLuv recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 or earlier | Do not ship without specialist confirmation | Avoid for standard 2026 imports |
| 2019 | Oldest key eligibility year | Act early and verify all documents |
| 2020–2022 | Generally suitable age range | Strong value and availability |
| 2023–2026 | Newer options | Higher purchase price, lower age-risk |
Important: Always check the vehicle’s original first-registration evidence—not simply its advertised model year—before committing to purchase or shipping. Import requirements, inspection findings and final clearance decisions remain subject to the relevant Kenyan authorities.[kra.go]
October 2026 UK to Mombasa schedule
The 23 September 2026 sailing is too soon for new vehicle sourcing and preparation. At the time of this update, the following October RoRo departure date has not yet been confirmed.
| Shipping stage | Current status |
|---|---|
| Next listed UK–Mombasa RoRo sailing | 23 September 2026 |
| New bookings for 23 September sailing | Too late / limited time remaining |
| Next October RoRo sailing | Awaiting confirmation |
| Recommended action | Submit requirements now for first available October space |
| Alternative shipping method | Container shipping may be available, subject to pricing and space |
Shipping timeline at a glance
Vehicle brief and sourcing ████ 1–7 days
Mechanical checks and purchase ████ 1–5 days
KEBS inspection and documents █████ Variable
Delivery to UK departure port ██ 1–3 days
RoRo voyage to Mombasa ███████████████ Approx. 5–7 weeks
Mombasa clearing and delivery █████ Depends on documents and clearanceCarLuv’s current Kenya import guidance indicates that UK-to-Mombasa shipping commonly takes around five to seven weeks, while RoRo departures depend on carrier schedules.[carluv.co]
What this means for buyers
The key decision is not only whether a vehicle can be bought today. It is whether it can be:
- Checked properly in the UK
- Verified as a suitable 2019-or-newer first-registration vehicle
- Prepared for KEBS pre-shipment inspection
- Delivered to the correct export port before the carrier’s cut-off
- Documented correctly for smooth Kenyan clearance
Waiting until an October sailing is announced can reduce your choice of vehicles and leave too little time for inspection, repairs, export preparation or port delivery. Early sourcing gives you more options and a better chance of securing space once the schedule is released.
2019 vehicle deadline chart
Kenya import-year eligibility trend
2018 vehicle ████████████████████ Not suitable for normal 2026 import planning
2019 vehicle ████████████████████ Oldest key year to target in 2026
2020 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2021 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2022 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2023 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2024 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2025 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age range
2026 vehicle ████████████████████ Eligible age rangeFor buyers looking for the lowest-cost eligible options, 2019 vehicles are especially important. However, these cars may be in high demand because they sit at the oldest end of the permitted age range for 2026 imports.
A 2019 vehicle is not automatically the best deal simply because it is older. Its condition, mileage, MOT history, service history, specification, accident history and final Kenyan duty calculation all matter.
Use our Kenya KRA motor vehicle duty calculator to estimate the likely taxes and levies before you commit to buying.
How CarLuv prepares your UK vehicle
Buying directly from a UK advert without checks can be risky. CarLuv can assist from vehicle selection through to export and delivery planning.
Our UK-to-Kenya vehicle export process
| Step | What CarLuv can help with |
|---|---|
| Vehicle sourcing | Find suitable UK cars from dealers, marketplaces and trusted sources |
| Vehicle review | Check condition, service history, MOT information and suitability |
| Mechanical inspection | Vehicle and body checks plus road test where applicable |
| Eligibility checks | Verify right-hand-drive status and first-registration documentation |
| KEBS preparation | Arrange the required pre-shipment inspection process |
| Export documents | UK logbook, invoices, shipping paperwork and customs documentation |
| RoRo or container booking | Book the best available route after schedule confirmation |
| Kenya clearance | Support clearing, forwarding, registration and delivery options |
Kenya’s published motor-vehicle import requirements include right-hand drive, a vehicle age limit based on first registration, and roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed inspection agent in the exporting country.[kra.go]
Start your UK car sourcing request
RoRo or container shipping?
RoRo—short for Roll-on/Roll-off—is usually the straightforward shipping option for an operational vehicle. Your car is driven onto the vessel and transported to Mombasa.
Container shipping may be worth considering for a high-value vehicle, a non-running vehicle, or when sending a car with permitted additional items under the appropriate shipping and customs arrangements.
| Option | Best for | Main advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo shipping | Standard running vehicles | Usually the lower-cost option | Departure dates depend on vessel schedules |
| 20-foot container | One valuable vehicle | More enclosed transport | Usually more expensive |
| 40-foot container | Two vehicles or suitable shared loads | Can suit larger shipments | Requires planning, loading and pricing confirmation |
CarLuv lists RoRo services from Southampton, Sheerness and Immingham to Mombasa, while container shipping is also available for buyers who need a more enclosed option.[carluv.co]
Documents to prepare early
Do not wait for the confirmed October vessel date before preparing the vehicle file. Missing documents can delay inspection, shipping or clearance.
Your vehicle documentation should normally include:
- Original commercial invoice
- Original cancelled UK logbook or equivalent export documentation
- Original bill of lading after shipment
- KEBS pre-shipment inspection or roadworthiness certificate
- Kenyan PIN certificate for an individual importer, or company incorporation documentation where applicable
- Supporting vehicle records, including service and MOT history where available
The Kenya Revenue Authority identifies the commercial invoice, cancelled original logbook, bill of lading, pre-shipment inspection certificate and PIN or company documentation among the supporting import documents.[kra.go]
Check duty before you buy
The purchase price is only one part of your total landed cost. You should understand the estimated duty, taxes, shipping, port costs, clearing charges and delivery costs before confirming a vehicle.
KRA’s motor-vehicle import information lists import duty, excise duty, VAT, Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy among the charges that may apply.[kra.go]
Use the CarLuv KRA import-duty calculator to estimate taxes based on your chosen make and model. The result is a guide and should be reviewed alongside shipping, clearing and registration costs.
You can also read our complete UK-to-Kenya import and shipping guide for information on RoRo, containers, documents and clearing support.
Book ahead for October
If you missed the 23 September sailing, do not rush into purchasing the first car you see. The smarter move is to begin sourcing now, target a suitable 2019-or-newer first-registration vehicle, complete checks and documentation early, and be ready when the October UK-to-Mombasa RoRo schedule is confirmed.
CarLuv will update confirmed sailing details and booking deadlines as soon as the carrier releases them.
Get started
Send us:
- Your preferred make and model
- Your maximum vehicle budget
- Your target year of first registration
- Whether you prefer RoRo or container shipping
- Your delivery destination in Kenya
- Your WhatsApp number or email address
Request a vehicle sourcing and shipping quote
Calculate estimated Kenya import duty
Contact CarLuv for clearing and forwarding support