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What you need to know when importing a car

Thursday, March 08, 2012 — updated on December 24, 2020 - 4 min read

Cars in a parking lot in Nairobi. In the haste to save money, most Kenyans go to the net, find a car and strike a deal without counter-checking the authenticity of the offer. PHOTO/ FILE

The population of vehicles on Kenyan roads has more than doubled in the recent past, thanks to second hand imports.
With money in hand and the Internet, it has become easier to import second hand vehicles into the country, especially from Japan, which has made Kenyans an easy prey for fraudsters.

Early this year, at least 30 victims approached the Kenyan embassy in Tokyo for assistance to recover money paid to phony companies who promised to deliver the cars to Mombasa but never did.

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The criminals are said to be using computer graphics to create Internet advertisements that display their banners over pictures of stolen vehicles or those photographed from other dealers’ yards and at auctions.
Kariuki says some unscrupulous traders even promise their victims that a car could be delivered in 20 days yet this is not practically possible as ships take 45-60 days.
He also says unscrupulous traders are quick to demand upfront payment before delivering the necessary documentation.
Other crooks even tamper with the mileage records of a car to cheat a buyer into paying more. Usually a car with less mileage costs more.
Kariuki says the easiest way to authenticate mileage information about a car imported from Japan is through the JEVIC website.
Some websites like autoassista.com also advice buyers on the steps they need to understand for a smooth import process.
According to the website, most of the vehicles imported from abroad require customisation for use in Kenya.
Necessary customisation may include fitting security alarm system, marking side mirrors and window with the vehicle registration number to discourage theft, changing tyres and adjusting the vehicle’s ground clearance.