Import a Toyota Alphard from the USA to Kenya: RHD, Title and Export Checks
If you’re researching a Toyota Alphard from the USA to Kenya, check the exact vehicle’s steering side and import eligibility before paying. A car advertised in the United States may have been built for another market; a U.S. seller or registration alone does not establish its original market or Kenyan eligibility. Start with the VIN or chassis number, first-registration date and title history.
Can a Toyota Alphard from the USA qualify for Kenyan registration?
For a standard used-vehicle import, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) says the vehicle must be right-hand drive, be less than eight years old from the year of first registration, and pass roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Confirm the rule against the exact vehicle and current guidance before committing.
Do not infer steering side from the listing. Ask for clear cabin photographs, match the VIN on the vehicle to the paperwork, and verify the first-registration date. If the Alphard is left-hand drive, close to the age limit, or has unclear registration records, pause and get written advice from KRA or a licensed clearing agent.
What should you verify on the U.S. title and vehicle history?
Ask the seller for a readable copy of the U.S. Certificate of Title, the sale invoice, and documents showing that any lien has been released. Check whether the title is clean, salvage, rebuilt or otherwise branded, then confirm how that status affects inspection and Kenyan clearance before you pay. A U.S. title shows a U.S. ownership record; it does not by itself prove where the Alphard was originally manufactured or first registered.
Compare the VIN or chassis number, model code, first-registration date, mileage and engine or hybrid specification across the vehicle, title, invoice and inspection records. If the Alphard entered the United States from another country, request the earlier import, auction and service records too. Arrange an independent inspection with dated photographs and a diagnostic scan; do not rely on a seller’s description or dashboard photo alone.
What U.S. export steps must the seller or shipper confirm?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires export documents for a used self-propelled vehicle to reach the export port at least 72 hours before departure. For a U.S.-titled vehicle, CBP lists the original Certificate of Title or a certified copy, plus two complete copies, and says the vehicle must be presented at the port for VIN examination. Ask the seller or freight forwarder to confirm the port-specific filing, export appointment and AES filing reference (ITN) in writing before the vehicle is moved to port.
Keep the bill of sale, title and lien-release evidence, export confirmation, bill of lading, marine-insurance record and pre-shipment roadworthiness certificate together. KRA also lists an original commercial invoice, original logbook from the country of importation, cancelled in the country of origin, original bill of lading, inspection certificate and the importer’s KRA PIN among its supporting documents. Confirm the current document list with your clearing agent before shipment.
How do you confirm the KEBS inspection route from the USA?
KRA requires inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export. Before paying a deposit or booking freight, ask KEBS or its currently appointed motor-vehicle inspection agent to confirm whether the exact VIN can be inspected in the United States, where the inspection will take place and which certificate is required. Get the answer in writing; do not assume a general-goods certificate or an inspection after arrival will substitute.
How should you calculate the total cost?
Do not budget from an online price range or a flat duty percentage. Give a licensed Kenyan clearing agent the VIN, first-registration date, model code, engine capacity or hybrid type, grade and purchase invoice. Request an itemized estimate based on the current KRA valuation and tax process. Separate the vehicle price, inland transport to the U.S. port, export handling, freight, insurance, inspection, port charges, taxes and levies, clearing fees and registration so you can see what is included and what may change.
| Check before paying | Evidence to request | Pause if |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eligibility | Steering-side photos, VIN and first-registration record | It is left-hand drive or the age/origin is unclear |
| Ownership and title | Title, invoice, lien release and history records | The VIN differs or title branding is unexplained |
| Export and inspection | Written U.S. port/AES plan and KEBS route | The seller promises paperwork only after shipment |
| Condition | Independent inspection, scan and dated photos | There are warning lights, repairs or mileage gaps |
Which Alphard condition checks matter before shipping?
Ask the inspector to check for crash repairs, water entry, uneven tyre wear, corrosion, warning lights and evidence of airbag or seat-belt repairs. For a hybrid, request a Toyota-capable diagnostic scan and an assessment of the traction battery and cooling system. Test the air conditioning, sliding doors, seats, cameras and other electrical equipment, and match the model code to parts and service support available in Kenya.
Common questions about importing an Alphard from the USA
Does a U.S. listing mean the Alphard is U.S.-market?
No. The vehicle may have been imported into the United States from another market. Check its first-registration and import history using the VIN and original paperwork.
Can I import a left-hand-drive Alphard?
KRA’s standard used-vehicle requirements say the vehicle must be right-hand drive. Confirm any proposed exception directly with the relevant Kenyan authority before purchase.
Who handles the U.S. export filing?
Agree with the exporter or freight forwarder who will coordinate the port submission and AES filing, then request the accepted filing reference and export evidence before shipment.
If you’re comparing an import with vehicles already in Kenya, browse the SilverTorque Motors inventory or contact the team on WhatsApp.