UKRoadRunner | Import cars to Kenya: Japan or UK imports? (2024)

In Kenya, people import cars from UK. People also import cars from Japan to Kenya. When considering to import a vehicle with UK RoadRunner, you have the options of importing from the UK, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.

There are different scenarios that would advise the decision of the client to import from either of these locations. We provide the client with comprehensive information regarding the country of origin of the vehicle and where the hot-spots of different variants are.

Import Cars from UK

For instance, in the UK, diesel engine cars are more common than the petrol engine ones. European models are also more common in the UK this including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Land Rover etc. It would therefore be more advised to seek such brands for import from the UK. To import UK cars to Kenya, these brands would best fit and best inform options to the car buyer.

Cars from Japan

In Japan paradoxically, there are more petrol engine cars than diesel engine ones (view more information on petrol vs diesel engines here). It is also noticeable that there are more Japanese brands in this region, the likes of Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Toyota. This is the same for Singapore and Thailand. It would consequently be more advised to seek such brands for import from Japan. To import Japan cars to Kenya, these brands would best fit and best inform options to the car buyer.

Once this is determined, there are specifics that the respective countries have related to exporting cars.

In terms of inspection, QISJ (Quality Inspection Service Japan) is the leading vehicle inspection company. They have also expanded their services to the UK. To import your cars from UK/Japan would guarantee your vehicle’s quality inspection before exporting to Kenya.

Evidently, there are not too many technical differences between importing a UK car vs importing a car from Japan. The decision of where to import from would be advised by the client’s brand needs. This is only because of the popularity and distribution of models and brands among the different regions.

Importing from the UK would be preferred for European model cars & some American brands such as Ford and Chevrolet.

Importing from Japan, Singapore or Thailand would similarly be preferred if the client is seeking a Japanese model car.