The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced significant updates to the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule for imported vehicles, set to take effect from July 1, 2025. This revision, the first since 2019, aims to align vehicle taxation with evolving economic conditions and international standards.
The CRSP serves as a benchmark for determining the taxable value of imported used vehicles. Taxes are levied on the vehicle’s value after factoring in depreciation based on age. The updated list is crucial for customs calculations and reflects key changes such as new vehicle models, currency fluctuations, and revised tax rates.
Since 2019, the exchange rate has shifted from approximately Sh100 to the dollar to around Sh130 in 2025. Additionally, import duty has increased from 25% to 35%, while excise duty for certain vehicles has risen from 30% to 35%. These changes have necessitated a more robust and accurate vehicle valuation system.
The KRA developed the new CRSP in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including the Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (KABA), Car Importers Association of Kenya (CIAK), and Kenya International Freight Forwarders and Warehousing Association (KIFWA). A technical team drawn from these groups worked closely with the tax authority to develop a more comprehensive valuation methodology.
The 2025 CRSP features over 5,200 vehicle models—up from 3,000 in 2019—and includes specific details such as trim levels and performance, rather than relying solely on engine size and drivetrain. Data sources include Japanese Yearbooks and Goo-net for models not previously covered.
KRA has published the updated CRSP list on its website and encouraged importers and clearing agents to familiarise themselves with the changes to avoid delays or disputes. The authority emphasized that the new framework enhances fairness, transparency, and alignment with the World Trade Organisation’s customs valuation standards.
Additionally, KRA reminded taxpayers of the ongoing tax amnesty program, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity. The revised CRSP is expected to streamline vehicle imports, reduce valuation conflicts, and provide a more accurate reflection of market trends.
