The Core Constraint: Understanding the 2019 Model Year Mandate
As industry veterans, we can confirm that the single biggest determinant of 2026 import pricing is the age restriction.
When you calculate the 8-year limit backward from the importation year (2026), you can only clear vehicles manufactured on or after January 1st, 2019.
This means the typical entry-level import market—which heavily relies on maximizing the age limit—will see its baseline price jump substantially.
When the pool of available, eligible vehicles shrinks to newer models, the initial Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value automatically rises.
A used 2019 vehicle from Japan or the UK is inherently more expensive than a comparable 2018 model was just one year prior.
Savvy buyers understand that this change affects not just the price of a Toyota Fielder, but also luxury SUVs like the Lexus LX 600.
Immediate Impact on CIF and Acquisition Cost
The acquisition cost is the foundation upon which all duties are built.
For 2026 imports, we anticipate an average baseline increase of 10% to 15% in the Free On Board (FOB) price just to secure an eligible 2019 model with decent mileage and an Auction Grade of 4.0 or 4.5.
This inflation occurs globally because 2019 models are still relatively new in major source markets.
Furthermore, because the average value of imports is rising, scrutiny from regulatory bodies also increases.
Quality assurance procedures, like the mandatory QISJ pre-shipment inspection, must confirm the manufacturing date precisely.
Any vehicle showing a December 2018 registration, even if sold in 2019, risks outright rejection upon clearing at the Port of Mombasa, leading to massive financial losses for the importer.
KRA Valuation in 2026: The Shift to Premium Segments
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) duty computation relies on the Customs Value, which is essentially the CIF value plus adjustments.
The primary tool KRA uses is the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list, which sets the benchmark valuation for specific makes and models.
Navigating the KRA CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price)
In 2026, the CRSP list will reflect newer valuation templates for 2019 models.
Vehicles that were previously borderline or highly customized are now often within the popular range, meaning KRA has much tighter controls on their benchmark price.
This predictability is double-edged: while it reduces ambiguity, it also ensures you pay duty on a higher established baseline.
For mid-range imports, such as the Honda Vezel or the increasingly popular Mazda CX 5, the duty portion of the total landed cost is likely to rise faster than the increase in the CIF value itself, specifically targeting the popular 2.0L crossover segment.
Buyers must factor in the current instability of the Kenya Shilling (KES) against the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the US Dollar (USD), as KRA converts the determined customs value at the prevailing market rate on the date of clearance.
The Hidden Costs: Port Charges and Local Logistics
The cost calculation doesn’t end with KRA duty.
Once the vehicle docks, storage, inspection, and handling fees at the Port of Mombasa add up.
We have seen consistent annual increases in documentation, wharfage, and storage fees charged by KPA (Kenya Ports Authority) and appointed clearing agents.
If market volatility causes clearance delays—even by a few weeks—demurrage charges can quickly wipe out any savings you might have secured on the initial CIF price.
The cost of transportation from Mombasa to Nairobi, especially navigating the Nairobi Expressway, must also be accounted for, including transit insurance.
These local logistical costs, while small compared to duty, are fixed expenses that dilute profit margins for dealers but are passed directly to the consumer for a direct import handled by a firm like Enan Motors.
The Currency Factor (KES/JPY & KES/USD)
As experienced importers, we view currency fluctuation as the single greatest variable risk in 2026 pricing.
Vehicles sourced from Japan (like the ubiquitous Toyota Harrier) are priced in JPY, while shipping, insurance, and duties are often calculated using USD reference rates.
If the KES weakens against the JPY between the date you commit to buying the car at auction and the date the vessel departs, your initial purchase price becomes more expensive.
If the KES weakens against the USD between the ship’s departure and the date the duty is paid on KRA iTax, your duty component skyrockets.
This unpredictability means budgeting an additional 5% buffer on top of the calculated duty is sound financial practice when importing any brand, from Mazda to Mercedes Benz.
Uncertain about the exact duty calculation for your preferred 2019 model? Enan Motors provides a transparent, all-inclusive landed cost estimate before you even place a bid. Message us on WhatsApp for a detailed 2026 pro-forma invoice.
Strategic Import Planning: Direct vs. Local Yards (The Enan Motors Advantage)
In a rising price environment like 2026, the margin for error shrinks.
Buyers must choose between buying pre-imported vehicles from local car yards or executing a direct import.
Local yards bear the upfront financial risk of currency fluctuations, duty changes, and high holding costs.
They mitigate this risk by adding substantial markups—often 25% to 40%—to the landed cost.
Direct importation through a reliable partner like Enan Motors allows you to pay near-actual cost plus a transparent service fee.
This difference is amplified in the premium segments.
Importing a Mercedes GLE or a BMW X6 directly saves hundreds of thousands of shillings.
Verifying Quality: Auction Grades and Odometer Integrity
With increasing costs, the temptation for unscrupulous sellers to hide defects or roll back odometers rises sharply.
In 2026, transparency is paramount.
When dealing with Enan Motors, we provide the original Japanese auction sheet, proving the vehicle’s condition (e.g., Auction Grade 4.5) and verifying the mileage.
This is non-negotiable, especially for high-demand models like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Buying a 2019 vehicle from a local yard without this verifiable history introduces a risk that is too high given the substantial investment required.
Our commitment is to ensure you drive away with a legally compliant, high-quality vehicle.
We source various models, from the efficient Mitsubishi family to premium BMW models, ensuring the quality matches the higher price point mandated by the 2026 rules.
Want to see the original documentation and auction sheet before you commit? Visit our About Enan Motors page to understand our commitment to transparent importation. We show you the actual cost, not a padded estimate.
Predicting Resale Value for 2019 Models (Nairobi & Mombasa)
A high initial purchase price is mitigated if the vehicle holds its value well.
Because 2019 models are newer and often feature modern safety and infotainment technology, they are highly attractive to local buyers once they hit the resale market in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The 2019 manufacturing year offers a longer remaining import window before the 8-year clock runs out (meaning the vehicle will be viable for sale locally until 2033).
This longer shelf life contributes directly to better resale values.
Historically, reliable brands like Honda and Lexus, particularly models like the Lexus NX250, maintain exceptional market demand in high-end suburbs like Karen and Nyali.
Even for mass-market vehicles such as the Mazda Axela, buying a clean, verifiable 2019 model in 2026 ensures it remains competitive against newer local stock for years to come.
This makes the higher initial capital outlay a strong, protected investment.
We see strong continued demand across all segments, including European imports like the Volkswagen range, especially popular models like the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Our current Inventory often features these high-retention models.
Conclusion
Importing a car in 2026 requires meticulous planning, especially concerning the unavoidable jump in baseline pricing caused by the 2019 model year restriction.
The cost of a vehicle will be higher, the duty will be higher, and the exposure to currency risk will remain significant.
The Enan Motors Advantage ensures you mitigate these risks.
By choosing direct importation, you secure the best quality vehicle at the lowest possible landed cost, backed by absolute transparency regarding auction data, CIF value, and duty computation.
Don’t pay inflated local yard prices—control your acquisition cost and guarantee the quality of your 2019 model import.
Ready to secure your high-quality 2019 import without the unnecessary markup? Contact the experts at Enan Motors today. Call us or Message us on WhatsApp to start your risk-free importation journey.
