Import a Toyota Alphard from Germany to Kenya: Check RHD and First Registration
If you’re considering a Toyota Alphard from Germany to Kenya, verify that the exact vehicle qualifies for Kenyan registration before paying a deposit. A German listing may be for a vehicle first registered there, a Japanese-market import, or simply a car being sold by an exporter. Match the VIN or chassis number, steering side, first-registration date and export records; seller location alone does not establish origin or eligibility.
Can a Germany-registered Alphard meet Kenya’s import rules?
For a standard used-vehicle import, the Kenya Revenue Authority currently says the vehicle must be right-hand drive, be less than eight years old from its first-registration year and pass roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Check the current KRA motor vehicle requirements against the exact vehicle before committing.
Look at the cabin and steering wheel in clear photographs, then match the VIN on the vehicle to every document. A German registration does not prove the car is RHD, and a seller’s description such as “Japan spec” or “export grade” is not evidence of compliance. If the vehicle is left-hand drive or its first-registration date is near the age limit, pause and get written guidance before paying.
Which German records should you ask the seller for?
If the Alphard was registered in Germany, request clear copies of the German registration certificate, Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II, where applicable. Also ask for the sales invoice or contract, deregistration or export paperwork, available service records and any records from an earlier country of registration. These documents help establish identity and history; confirm with your clearing agent which originals and translations are required for Kenyan clearance.
Compare the VIN, model code, first-registration date, engine or hybrid specification and mileage across the car, registration papers, inspection record and invoice. Ask whether the vehicle was imported into Germany from another country, and request the earlier export or auction records if it was. If the seller will not provide readable documents or refuses an independent inspection, do not rely on verbal assurances.
What should you confirm about KEBS inspection before shipping?
KRA says used imports are subject to inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. KEBS publishes separate motor vehicle inspection information, so ask KEBS or its currently appointed agent to confirm the route that applies to a vehicle being exported from Germany. Get the answer, inspection timing and required documents in writing before booking shipment; do not assume a general-goods certification listing covers used cars.
How can you budget the landed cost accurately?
Do not use a generic Kenya-shilling price range or a seller’s estimate as your final budget. Give a licensed clearing agent the exact VIN, first-registration date, model code, engine capacity or hybrid type, grade and purchase invoice, then request an itemized calculation using the current KRA valuation and tax process. Separate the vehicle price, transport to port, export handling, freight, insurance, inspection, port charges, clearing fees and assessed taxes so you can see what is included and what is still uncertain.
| Check before deposit | Evidence to request | Pause if |
|---|---|---|
| Steering and identity | Cabin photos and VIN on vehicle and papers | Steering side or VIN does not match |
| Age and original market | First-registration papers and prior-country records | The seller gives only a model year or unclear history |
| Export and inspection | Ownership/export documents and written KEBS route | Inspection is promised “later” without a named agent |
| Condition | Independent inspection, diagnostic scan and service history | There are unexplained warning lights, repairs or mileage gaps |
Which condition checks matter on an Alphard from Germany?
If the vehicle has been used through German winters, ask an independent inspector to examine the underbody, subframes, suspension and brake or fuel lines for corrosion; the country alone does not prove that corrosion is present. Check for crash repairs, water entry, uneven tyre wear, warning lights and signs that airbags or seat-belt pretensioners have been replaced. Compare the service history with the odometer rather than relying on a dashboard photo.
For a hybrid Alphard, have a Toyota-capable technician scan the hybrid system and assess the traction battery and its cooling system. Confirm that the air conditioning, sliding doors, power seats, cameras and other electrical equipment work before export. A written inspection report with dated photographs gives you a record if the delivered vehicle differs from the one advertised.
Frequently asked questions
Does a German listing mean the Alphard is left-hand drive?
No. Listing country and steering side are different facts. Ask for a clear cabin photograph and verify the VIN and original-market records before paying.
How old can the vehicle be when imported?
KRA currently states that a used vehicle must be less than eight years old from the year of first registration. Confirm the calculation for the specific first-registration date with KRA or a licensed clearing agent before purchase.
Can the seller arrange the KEBS inspection after shipment?
Do not assume that. Confirm the current Germany export route with KEBS or its appointed motor vehicle inspection agent before shipping, and keep the written confirmation with the vehicle documents.
If you are comparing an imported Alphard with vehicles already available in Kenya, browse the SilverTorque Motors inventory or contact the team on WhatsApp for help narrowing your shortlist.