Import a Toyota Alphard from the UAE to Kenya: RHD, Origin and Condition

If you are importing a Toyota Alphard from the UAE to Kenya, verify the steering position, original market, export papers and vehicle condition before agreeing a price. A UAE listing or a “GCC spec” label does not prove that this specific car is right-hand drive, export-ready or eligible for Kenya.

How do I confirm the Alphard’s steering and original market?

Ask for clear dashboard, VIN/chassis and model-plate photos, then have an independent inspector compare them with the vehicle. Confirm whether it was first registered in the UAE, built for the Gulf market, or imported into the UAE from Japan or another country. A regional equipment label is not a substitute for checking the steering wheel location and the full registration chain. If it has earlier market records, request those export and ownership documents too.

Which Kenya import and KEBS inspection rules apply?

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 the UAE among its used-motor-vehicle pre-export inspection markets. Ask the appointed agent and a licensed clearing agent to confirm the required certificate and document-validation route for this VIN and export booking before you pay. Check current KRA motor-vehicle requirements and KEBS inspection details.

What UAE ownership and export records should I request?

Request the official registration and export or deregistration papers, seller invoice, proof of ownership, service history and any inspection reports. Ask the seller to clear any finance or ownership restriction that could prevent export. Match the VIN and owner details across the records, and confirm the first-registration date from an official document rather than an advert. KRA lists the commercial invoice, cancelled original logbook, original bill of lading, pre-shipment roadworthiness certificate and buyer PIN certificate (or company incorporation certificate) among supporting documents. Confirm with your agent when each must be issued.

What condition checks matter for UAE use?

Arrange an independent inspection of the cooling system, radiator, hoses, air-conditioning performance, battery, tyres, suspension, paint and underbody. If the vehicle was used in hot weather, ask for cooling and air-conditioning service records and have the system tested at idle and under load. Test the Alphard’s sliding doors, tailgate, cameras, sensors and warning lights. For a hybrid, request a diagnostic report covering stored faults and battery condition. Confirm parts support for its exact model code in Kenya.

How do I estimate the landed cost?

Get a dated, itemized estimate based on this VIN, invoice, customs valuation and shipping route. Ask the clearing agent to separate freight, insurance, inspection, applicable duties and taxes, clearing and registration. Confirm the exchange rate and estimate-validity date. Do not rely on a generic UAE purchase-price, tax or shipping range to decide whether the vehicle is affordable.

What should I verify before sending a deposit?

• RHD, model code and first-registration date match the actual vehicle and records.
• The seller can document ownership and remove any export restriction.
• The VIN matches the registration, export and inspection papers.
• KEBS and the clearing agent confirm the required route for this shipment.
• An independent inspection and VIN-specific landed-cost estimate are in hand.

Frequently asked questions

Does “GCC spec” guarantee that an Alphard is right-hand drive?

No. Check the steering position in the actual car and confirm it with the VIN and registration records.

Does a UAE seller prove that the Alphard was first registered there?

No. Ask where it was first registered and request earlier market records if it was imported into the UAE.

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