Ex-Japan vs locally used cars: which should you buy in Kenya?
Most used cars on Kenyan roads were imported from Japan. You can buy one fresh off the ship (ex-Japan, or “foreign used”) or one that has already been driven in Kenya (locally used). Both can be good buys — they just need different checks.
Photo: Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism (Kenya) · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Ex-Japan (foreign used)
An ex-Japan car is registered in Kenya for the first time when it arrives. It usually comes with a Japanese auction sheet and a pre-export inspection certificate, so its grade, mileage and damage are on record. Japanese cars are generally well maintained and driven on smooth roads, so their suspension and bodywork are usually fresher.
In 2026, KEBS only admits used cars first registered in 2019 or later, so ex-Japan cars are relatively new — and priced accordingly, with duty already paid by the dealer.
Locally used (Kenyan used)
A locally used car has been registered and driven in Kenya. It’s usually cheaper, you can see how it copes with Kenyan roads, and older models that can no longer be imported are only available this way.
The risks are wear from potholes and murram, accident repairs, mileage tampering and loans still registered on the logbook — so the history check matters more.
How to check each
- Ex-Japan: read the auction sheet, compare its mileage with the export certificate and the odometer, and match the chassis number on all three.
- Locally used: do an NTSA search for the owner and any lender on the logbook, ask for service records, and look for accident repairs and worn suspension.
- Both: run a GariCheck, take a mechanic you trust, and test-drive on a rough road as well as on tarmac.
Which should you choose?
If you want a newer car with a verifiable history and can afford it, ex-Japan is the easier buy. If your budget is tighter, or you want a model that’s too old to import, a well-documented locally used car with one or two careful owners can be excellent value.
Frequently asked questions
What does ex-Japan mean?
A used car imported from Japan and registered in Kenya for the first time — also called foreign used. It usually comes with an auction sheet and an export inspection certificate.
Are locally used cars a bad idea?
No — they’re often better value. Just check the NTSA record, service history and condition carefully, because Kenyan roads and past owners leave their mark.
Can I import a car first registered before 2019 in 2026?
No. Under KEBS’s eight-year rule, used cars imported in 2026 must have been first registered in 2019 or later.