The True Cost of Importing a Mercedes G-Class to Kenya
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to import a Mercedes G-Class to Kenya?
Total landed cost for a 2020 G 63 AMG is approximately KES 38–40 million. This includes the German purchase price (~KES 19.5M), 12% sourcing fee, RoRo shipping (~KES 260K), Kenya import duty (~KES 15.7M), KEBS inspection, and clearing agent fees. You save KES 7–12M vs buying locally in Nairobi.
What is the import duty on a Mercedes G-Class in Kenya?
Kenya's import duty on vehicles is calculated on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). For a G 63 AMG with a CIF value of KES 19.8M, total duty comes to approximately KES 15.7M.
Does Kenya require KEBS inspection for imported cars from Germany?
Yes. KEBS inspection is required. A KEBS-approved agent inspects the vehicle in Germany before shipping. The certificate is required for customs clearance at Mombasa port. Cost is KES 50,000–80,000.
How long does it take to ship a G-Class from Germany to Mombasa?
Shipping takes 5–7 weeks. Add 1–2 weeks for customs clearance and transport to Nairobi, and the total timeline is approximately 10–12 weeks.
Is it worth importing a G-Class from Germany to Kenya vs buying locally?
Yes — you typically save KES 7–12 million compared to Nairobi market prices. You also get complete German service history, TÜV certification, and CARFAX report. The savings more than cover the import process costs and waiting time.
The Mercedes G-Class is Nairobi's ultimate status symbol. But what does it actually cost to import one from Germany to Mombasa port? Here's the complete breakdown—no hidden costs.
The Bottom Line First
Total Landed Cost Example:
2020 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG (German purchase price: €150,000)
- • German Purchase: KES 19,500,000
- • Our Service Fee (12%): KES 2,340,000
- • Shipping to Mombasa: KES 260,000
- • Kenya Import Duty: KES 8,775,000
- • KEBS Inspection: KES 65,000
- • Clearing Agent: KES 150,000
- • Total: KES 31,090,000
Nairobi Market Price: KES 38-42 million. Your Savings: KES 7-11 million.
Cost Component 1: German Purchase Price
G-Class pricing in Germany varies significantly based on model year, mileage, and specification:
Current German Market Prices (2025)
G 63 AMG (2020-2022)
- • Mileage 20,000-40,000 km: €140,000-€170,000 (KES 18.2-22.1 million)
- • Mileage 40,000-70,000 km: €120,000-€145,000 (KES 15.6-18.9 million)
- • Condition: Excellent to very good, full service history
G 500 (2019-2021)
- • Mileage 30,000-50,000 km: €95,000-€120,000 (KES 12.4-15.6 million)
- • Mileage 50,000-80,000 km: €80,000-€100,000 (KES 10.4-13.0 million)
- • Condition: Good to excellent, TÜV certified
G 350d Diesel (2018-2020)
- • Mileage 40,000-70,000 km: €75,000-€95,000 (KES 9.8-12.4 million)
- • Mileage 70,000-100,000 km: €65,000-€80,000 (KES 8.5-10.4 million)
- • Condition: Good, full documentation
*Exchange rate: €1 = KES 130 (approximate, fluctuates)
Cost Component 2: Our Service Fee
12% of German purchase price. This covers:
- Sourcing: Searching Germany's entire market (dealers, private sellers, auctions)
- Inspection: Physical inspection, 50-100+ photos, live video walkthrough
- Documentation: Complete vehicle history, TĂśV certification, service records
- Purchase Management: Secure payment, ownership transfer, export paperwork
- Shipping Coordination: Port delivery, container/RoRo arrangement, tracking
Example Calculation:
G 63 AMG purchased at €150,000 (KES 19.5 million)
Our fee: 12% = €18,000 (KES 2.34 million)
Cost Component 3: Shipping to Mombasa
Your G-Class ships from German ports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven) to Mombasa port. Two options:
Shipping Options
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) — Standard Method
- • Cost: €1,800-€2,200 (KES 234,000-286,000)
- • Transit Time: 5-7 weeks
- • Process: Vehicle driven onto ship, secured in cargo hold
- • Best For: Most G-Class imports (cost-effective, reliable)
Container Shipping — Premium Protection
- • Cost: €3,500-€4,500 (KES 455,000-585,000)
- • Transit Time: 5-7 weeks
- • Process: Vehicle enclosed in private 40ft container
- • Best For: Brand new or ultra-rare specs (maximum protection)
Recommendation: RoRo is sufficient for 95% of G-Class imports. Container only necessary for brand new vehicles or extremely rare specifications.
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WhatsApp: +49 1551 1336818Cost Component 4: Kenya Import Duty
This is the largest single cost. Kenya's import duty structure for vehicles:
Kenya Import Duty Calculation (2025)
Based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight):
- • Import Duty: 25% of CIF value
- • Excise Duty: 20% of (CIF + Import Duty)
- • VAT: 16% of (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
- • IDF (Import Declaration Fee): 3.5% of CIF value
- • Railway Development Levy: 2% of CIF value
Example: 2020 G 63 AMG
⚠️ Important Note:
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) uses their own valuation system. They may adjust the CIF value based on their database. We provide exact calculations before purchase based on current KRA guidelines.
Cost Component 5: KEBS Inspection
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requires pre-export verification for all imported vehicles:
- KEBS Inspection Fee: KES 50,000-80,000 (depends on vehicle value)
- Process: KEBS-approved agent inspects vehicle in Germany before shipping
- Timeline: 2-3 days after inspection request
- Certificate: KEBS Import Verification Certificate (required for customs clearance)
We handle: KEBS inspection coordination, agent appointment, certificate collection. You receive the certificate before shipping.
Cost Component 6: Clearing Agent & Port Fees
Once your G-Class arrives at Mombasa port:
Mombasa Port Clearance Costs
- • Clearing Agent Fee: KES 120,000-180,000
- • Port Storage (first 7 days): Free
- • Port Storage (after 7 days): KES 5,000/day
- • Container Destuffing (if applicable): KES 15,000-25,000
- • Port Handling Charges: KES 8,000-12,000
Recommendation: Use experienced clearing agent who specializes in German vehicle imports. We provide trusted referrals.
Cost Component 7: Nairobi Delivery & Registration
- Mombasa to Nairobi Transport: KES 35,000-50,000 (professional car carrier)
- NTSA Registration: KES 15,000-25,000 (number plates, logbook)
- Comprehensive Insurance: KES 250,000-400,000/year (G-Class premium)
Complete Cost Breakdown: Three Examples
Example 1: 2020 G 63 AMG (Low Mileage)
Nairobi Market Price: KES 45-50 million
Your Savings: KES 7-12 million
Example 2: 2019 G 500 (Moderate Mileage)
Nairobi Market Price: KES 30-35 million
Your Savings: KES 4.5-9.5 million
Example 3: 2018 G 350d Diesel (Higher Mileage)
Nairobi Market Price: KES 23-27 million
Your Savings: KES 3.7-7.7 million
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Watch Out For:
- • Port Storage Fees: Clear within 7 days to avoid KES 5,000/day charges
- • Currency Fluctuation: Euro/KES rate changes affect final cost. We lock rates at purchase.
- • KRA Revaluation: KRA may adjust CIF value upward. We provide buffer estimates.
- • Unscrupulous Agents: Use only KEBS-approved inspection agents and licensed clearing agents
Timeline: Germany to Nairobi
- Week 1-2:Sourcing in Germany, inspection, your approval
- Week 2-3:Purchase, KEBS inspection, export documentation
- Week 3-4:Shipping preparation, port departure
- Week 4-10:Sea freight to Mombasa port
- Week 10-11:Customs clearance at Mombasa
- Week 11-12:Nairobi delivery, NTSA registration
Total Timeline: 10-12 weeks from initial contact to driving in Nairobi
Why Choose Boundless Auto Group?
Transparent Pricing
Complete cost breakdown before purchase. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Germany-Based Team
Physical presence in Germany. We inspect every G-Class personally.
KEBS Compliance
We handle KEBS inspection coordination. Certificate ready before shipping.
Complete Documentation
German export papers, service history, TÜV certification—everything organized for Kenya customs.
Import Your G-Class from Germany
Complete transparency. KEBS compliant. Mombasa to Nairobi delivery. Save millions.
WhatsApp Us NowAbout Marcus Weber
Senior Vehicle Sourcing Specialist
With over 15 years of experience in the German automotive market, Marcus specializes in sourcing premium vehicles for international clients.