Kenya is a middle-income economy. In Kenya, the disposable incomes are increasing. The Kenya middle class is expanding. That has led to a high demand for cars. As a result, the business of exporting cars to Kenya is booming.

In Kenya, there is a growing appetite for foreign goods including foreign-made cars. In recent times, incomes have increased in the country because of increasing national prosperity.

Foreign investors are increasing in Kenya leading to the creation of millions of jobs every year. Most foreign companies consider Kenya as the gateway to East and Central Africa. With more Kenyans getting jobs, most of them are finding that they can afford foreign-made vehicles.

Kenya hosts a number of international organizations including the United National Environmental Program (UNEP). These organizations employ expatriates and locals. These people need cars leading to the increased need for car imports.

Most African countries including Kenya do not have a local automotive industry. As a result, the country is entirely dependent on car imports.

Every year, Kenyans purchase millions of cars. Most of these cars enter the country through the Mombasa port. This is also the port of entry for cars headed to South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Zaire, and other landlocked countries in the region.

Most Kenyans buy Japanese used cars. That is because of their affordability. In addition, it is easy to find spares for Japanese cars. Most Japanese carmakers have dealerships in Kenya where they sell spare parts. Of late, Japanese car sellers have started operations in Kenya due to the need to tap into the local demand for foreign cars.

Kenya has also an expanding class of high net worth individuals. Over the last few years, the number of dollar millionaires has increased in Kenya. These people demand the most luxurious European cars. On the major Kenyan roads, you will easily see the leading German machines. You will also see French and British made cars.

Interest in American cars is also growing in Kenya. Most moneyed Kenyans view American and European made cars as superior.

There is an age limit when it comes to importing cars in Kenya. A Kenyan cannot import a car that is more than nine years old. This facilitates more environmentally friendly cars ending up on Kenyan roads. Newer models are more efficient than the older models.

Importing cars to Kenya has become easy because of the various international escrow services. These facilitate safe transactions. A trusted third party deals with the transaction between both parties.

The Bottom-Line

Kenya is one of Africa’s most lucrative car markets. With a population of over 50 million and over half the population in employment, this market has great potential.