Import a Toyota Alphard from South Africa to Kenya: History and Inspection

If you are importing a Toyota Alphard from South Africa to Kenya, verify the actual vehicle, its first-registration history and export papers before paying. A South African listing does not prove the Alphard was first registered there, is RHD, or meets Kenya’s current import conditions.

Can a South Africa-listed Alphard qualify for Kenya?

KRA says a standard used vehicle must be right-hand drive, less than eight years old from its year of first registration, and roadworthiness-inspected by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. KEBS currently lists South Africa among the markets with used-motor-vehicle pre-export inspection services. Confirm the appointed inspector, required certificate and document-validation route for this vehicle and export location with KEBS and a licensed clearing agent before you pay. Check the current KRA motor-vehicle requirements and KEBS inspection details.

How can I verify the Alphard’s history and export documents?

Request the South African registration and ownership record, seller invoice, export or deregistration papers, service history and available inspection reports. Ask where the Alphard was first registered and whether it was imported into South Africa from another market. If so, request its earlier registration and export records. Match the VIN/chassis number and owner details across every document, and arrange a complete translation if a record is not in English.

KRA lists the original commercial invoice, cancelled original logbook from the country of importation, original bill of lading, pre-shipment roadworthiness certificate and buyer PIN certificate (or company incorporation certificate) among supporting documents. Ask your agent when the bill of lading and inspection certificate should be issued, and who is responsible for each record.

What should an independent inspection cover?

Verify RHD from the actual cabin and match the model code, generation, engine, trim and hybrid status to the papers. Have a mechanic inspect the body and underbody for repairs, suspension, tyres, steering, cooling and air conditioning. Test powered sliding doors, tailgate, cameras, sensors and warning lights. Compare odometer readings with service and inspection records. Ask the inspector to photograph the VIN plate, model plate, odometer and underbody, and describe any replaced panels or repairs in writing. Keep the report and original photos with the export papers for comparison during clearance. For a hybrid Alphard, request a diagnostic report covering stored faults and battery condition; check parts support for the exact model in Kenya.

How do I calculate the landed cost?

Get a dated, itemized quote based on this VIN, purchase invoice, customs valuation and shipping route. Ask the clearing agent to show freight, insurance, inspection, applicable duties and taxes, clearing and registration separately. A South Africa asking price or a generic online estimate does not establish the Kenyan landed cost. Check the quote’s exchange rate and validity date, and confirm the calculation against current KRA guidance before committing.

What should I confirm before shipment?

• The first-registration date and RHD configuration are verified for the actual car.
• VIN, ownership and export details match across original documents.
• KEBS or the appointed inspector confirms the required route and certificate in writing.
• An independent inspection documents condition and any repairs; a hybrid has a diagnostic report.
• The landed-cost estimate names the VIN, route and quote-validity date.

Frequently asked questions

Does a South African registration prove that an Alphard is RHD?

No. Check the steering position in the actual car and verify its original-market history from the registration and export records.

Is South Africa the Alphard’s original market if it is exported from there?

Not necessarily. Ask for the complete registration chain; the current export country and first-registration market can differ.

Compare available vehicles in the SilverTorque inventory or contact SilverTorque with the VIN and documents before sending a deposit. You can also message the team on WhatsApp.