this is what you've heard..... The taxation figures Import duty is 25% of CIF value. Excise Duty 20% of (CIF+Import duty value) VAT is 16% of (CIF +import duty value + Excise Duty value). Calculate cumulatively Import Duty+Excise Duty+V.A.T will work out to 74% ..... But just to let you know that this is not necessarily how it will be worked out KRA hardly ever use CIF values.... This is because CIF values are usually lower than the depreciated value as would be calculated using the CRSP table and valuation Template (as indicated by Tebes in post#21 above). In some cases you will find that the toal tax is more than the CIF value... even as high as 130% of CIF. In fact with all the cars I have sent from UK, I have never been required to produce an invoice/CIF valuation etc. All KRA/clearing agents have needed is 1. Logbook, 2. Jevic Certificate (KRWI) 3. Bill Of Lading.

Very useful info VJ and thanks. What of trade car view?

@vj Do you know the taxation for hybrid cars. I imported a toyota prius and ended up paying one and a halve times import tax of the cif value. I heard that they ague it consumes less fuel, hence less fuel tax, they have put a higher import tax. Any idea?

Thanks mukiha, you have put it very clear, it was actually 7 years with a very good deal, cif value. The car is the best i have ever driven, pocket friendly and very smooth, runability.

So... what does this mean? The 7-year old Prius' battery (assuming its the original one) will give you another 3 yrs? But not to worry... keeping in mind that as more hybrid vehicles take to the road, reclaimed batteries (from wrecked/salvage/write-off cars) with plenty of life will become more available. I have seen some used batteries eg. one selling at below ksh100k off a 2007 model. I'm not sure how replacement works...requiring replacing the ECU or some other configuration etc. I know most sellers expected you to give them your old battery... otherwise the replacement will cost more.