Africa · Country guide
🇰🇪 Importing motorcycles from China to Kenya
PVoC inspection happens in China before loading — build it into the timeline (adds 1–2 weeks). Left-hand traffic: no impact on motorcycles.
Figures are indicative planning defaults, last reviewed 2026-09. No FTA.
What sells here
Segments that move in Kenya
Boda-boda commuters, cargo bikes and a fast-growing e-moto fleet market (Nairobi). 150–200cc reliability sells; e-motos need battery-swap ecosystems, which is where fleet operators come in.
Standard export document set; the CG/CB-type 150 is the most widely registered Chinese platform worldwide.
As CM150.
Electric two-wheelers are often classified separately (by motor kW and speed); many markets exempt low-speed classes from registration. Battery shipping requires UN38.3 test report, which we supply.
Off-road unit; road-legal kit optional.
Off-road vehicle.
Paperwork
Registration & documents in Kenya
What the registry and customs typically ask for. Your customs broker owns the declaration; we supply everything that originates in China.
- 1Invoice, packing list, B/L
- 2KEBS PVoC certificate of conformity (issued in China before shipment)
- 3KRA customs entry via agent
- 4NTSA registration & number plates
Ports & transit
Where the container lands
| Port | Transit from China |
|---|---|
| Mombasa | 26–34 days |
Bikes are crated in Chongqing and move to the coast by rail or Yangtze barge (about a week), then sail. Add 1–2 weeks for pre-shipment inspection where your market requires it, and budget port-side charges of a few hundred dollars per container at each end.
Duty: EAC common external tariff: planning default 25% for assembled motorcycles (CKD 10%). Verify current EAC CET.
Excise / other: Excise duty applies to motorcycles (fixed amount per unit or %, changes with Finance Acts); plus IDF (import declaration fee ~3.5%) and RDL (railway levy ~2%).
Freight and local charges are planning ranges and move with the market. Profile last reviewed 2026-09.
Numbers
Landed cost in Kenya, per unit
Pick a model and quantity. Defaults: 25% duty, 16% VAT, 10% excise, mid-range freight to Mombasa. Every field is editable in the full calculator.
Freight US$2,050 per 20GP, insurance 0.5%, port/broker US$600/side, inland US$300. 450cc Rally / ADV (NC450-class engine) at mid-band FOB. Indicative — EAC common external tariff: planning default 25% for assembled motorcycles (CKD 10%). Verify current EAC CET.
Example first container
A 20GP for Kenya
An example built from the segments above so it fits one 20-foot container with a parts kit. It is an illustration, not a past order — your mix will differ.
| Model | Qty | FOB / unit (mid-band) | Line total | m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT300 300cc Utility ATV | 4 | US$2,000 | US$8,000 | 10.4 |
| EN250 250cc Enduro / Trail | 4 | US$1,800 | US$7,200 | 6.4 |
| EM3000 Electric Motorcycle, 3kW class | 7 | US$900 | US$6,300 | 6.3 |
| Matched spare-parts kit | 1 | ≈5% of bike value | US$1,075 | ~1.5 |
| Total FOB Chongqing | 15 | US$22,575 | 24.6 / 26 |
Why this shape
- Anchors first. The higher-ticket models give the showroom something to talk about and carry the margin.
- Volume fills the box. Commuters and small enduros use the remaining cubic metres and turn over weekly, which pays the freight.
- Parts in the same container. About 5% of bike value in fast-moving parts means a warranty fix at destination is same-day, and it retails at 2–3× cost.
- Room to adjust. Every line is from 3 units per model (2 for UTVs). Swap models freely in the RFQ builder.
FAQ
Importing to Kenya: common questions
- What import duty applies to Chinese motorcycles in Kenya?
- Our planning default is 25% on the CIF value, plus 16% VAT and an excise-type tax we default at 10%. EAC common external tariff: planning default 25% for assembled motorcycles (CKD 10%). Verify current EAC CET.
- Which port should I ship to in Kenya and how long does it take?
- Mombasa (26–34 days from Chinese ports). Bikes leave Chongqing by rail or river to the coast, then sail. Indicative ocean freight for a 20GP is US$1,500–US$2,600 and for a 40HQ US$2,200–US$3,800; we quote a live rate with every RFQ.
- What documents do I need to register an imported motorcycle in Kenya?
- Typically: Invoice, packing list, B/L; KEBS PVoC certificate of conformity (issued in China before shipment); KRA customs entry via agent; NTSA registration & number plates. We supply the full export document set (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, factory technical sheet with VIN and engine number, and PDI report per VIN); your broker handles the local declaration.
- Which Chinese motorcycle segments sell best in Kenya?
- Boda-boda commuters, cargo bikes and a fast-growing e-moto fleet market (Nairobi). 150–200cc reliability sells; e-motos need battery-swap ecosystems, which is where fleet operators come in. Our recommended starting mix is 150cc Street Commuter, 200cc Heavy-Duty Cargo, Electric Motorcycle, 3kW class, 250cc Enduro / Trail, 300cc Utility ATV, mixed in one container from 3 units per model.
Tax and registration figures on this page are indicative planning defaults, last reviewed 2026-09, and must be confirmed with a licensed customs broker for your exact HS subheading and displacement. Yangtze Moto is an independent export company and is not a customs authority or broker.
Planning a container for Kenya?
Send your model list and quantities. We confirm FOB line by line, get a live freight rate to Mombasa and flag any registration issue for your models before you commit.