Every day, thousands of importers in Kenya face a critical challenge at the port – paying hefty import duties to KRA before their goods are released. With customs duties ranging from 25% to 100% of your cargo value, plus additional taxes, the financial burden can be overwhelming. That’s where import duty financing becomes your lifeline.
At Jijenge Credit Ltd, we’ve revolutionized import duty finance in Kenya, helping businesses and individuals clear their cargo from Mombasa port and JKIA in just 1 hour. Whether you’re importing motor vehicles, machinery, or general goods, our KRA duty payment solutions ensure you never lose money to storage and demurrage charges again.
What is Import Duty Financing Kenya?
Import duty financing is a short-term loan facility designed to help importers pay Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) duties and taxes immediately, allowing quick clearance of goods from the port. Instead of tying up your working capital in customs payments, you can use our financing to:
- Pay 100% of KRA-calculated duties and taxes
- Clear goods within hours, not days
- Avoid costly storage and demurrage charges
- Prevent the auction of your imported goods
- Maintain healthy cash flow for business operations
This financial solution covers all import-related charges, including customs duty, VAT, Import Declaration Fee (IDF), Railway Development Levy (RDL), and excise duty where applicable.
Import Duty Rates in Kenya – Understanding Your KRA Obligations
Before importing, it’s crucial to understand Kenya’s duty structure:
Standard Import Duties:
- Import Duty: 0% – 25% (sensitive items up to 100%)
- VAT: 16% on CIF value + duty
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of customs value
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of customs value
- Excise Duty: Varies by product (alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles)
Motor Vehicle Specific Rates:
- Import Duty: 25% of CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price)
- Excise Duty: Based on engine capacity and age
- VAT: 16% on total of CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty
Motor Vehicle Import Duty Financing Kenya
Motor vehicle importers form our largest client base, and for good reason. Vehicle duties often exceed the purchase price, making financing essential. Our specialized motor vehicle import duty finance offers:
Coverage:
- All vehicle types: saloons, SUVs, pickups, trucks, buses
- Commercial and personal vehicles
- New and used imports from Japan, UK, South Africa, etc.
Benefits:
- Finance up to 100% of KRA-assessed duties
- Conversion option to logbook loan after clearance
- Joint registration services are available
- Clear from both the Mombasa port and the inland container depots
Process:
- Share your import documents (Bill of Lading, Export Certificate)
- We verify the KRA duty assessment
- Approve financing within 1 hour
- Pay KRA directly on your behalf
- Vehicle released immediately
Benefits of Import Duty Finance in Kenya
1. Avoid Demurrage and Storage Charges
- Port storage: KES 2,000-5,000 per day after free period
- Our financing saves you from these unnecessary costs
2. Preserve Working Capital
- Keep cash for inventory and operations
- Don’t drain business accounts for tax payments
- Maintain supplier relationships with consistent cash flow
3. Prevent Cargo Auction
- KRA auctions unclaimed goods after 30 days
- Lose your entire investment if you can’t pay duties
- We ensure your cargo is never at risk
4. Faster Business Turnover
- Clear goods in 1 hour vs weeks of saving
- Get products to market immediately
- Beat competitors still raising funds
5. Build Import Credit History
- Establish a relationship for future imports
- Access higher limits with good repayment
- Preferential rates for repeat clients
Requirements and Eligibility
Who Qualifies:
- Registered businesses (Ltd, SMEs, Sole proprietors)
- Individual importers
- First-time and experienced importers
- Kenyan citizens and residents
Required Documents:
- KRA Import Documents:
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- KRA duty assessment
- Single Administrative Document
- Shipping Documents:
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Conformity (where applicable)
- Business/Personal Documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation/Business Permit
- KRA PIN Certificate
- ID/Passport copies
- 6 months’ bank statements
- For Motor Vehicles:
- Export Certificate
- QISJ Inspection Certificate
- Proof of purchase
Simple Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid import documents
- Genuine business/import purpose
- Ability to repay within the agreed period
- Clean credit history (CRB check conducted)
How to Apply for Import Duty Financing
Step 1: Pre-Application (Before Cargo Arrives)
- Contact us with shipping documents
- Get pre-approval while cargo is in transit
- Prepare all requirements in advance
Step 2: Formal Application
- Submit complete documentation
- Our team reviews within 30 minutes
- Credit assessment and approval
Step 3: Disbursement
- Sign the loan agreement
- Funds are paid directly to KRA
- Receive payment confirmation and receipts
Step 4: Cargo Release
- Present KRA receipts at the port
- Clear your goods immediately
- Start selling/using your imports
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get import duty financing?
We approve applications within a few hours of receiving complete documentation. Funds are disbursed directly to KRA immediately after signing, meaning you can clear your cargo the same day you apply.
Can Jijenge Credit finance duties for any type of imports?
Yes, we finance duties for all legal imports including motor vehicles, electronics, machinery, textiles, construction materials, and general merchandise. Prohibited and restricted goods are excluded.
Do you finance both the Mombasa port and the JKIA cargo?
Yes, we cover imports through all entry points: Mombasa port, JKIA, Busia, Malaba, and other border points across Kenya.
Can I get financing if I’m a first-time importer?
Absolutely! We support both new and experienced importers. First-timers may need to provide additional verification, but approval rates remain high.
What happens if I can’t repay on time?
Contact us immediately to discuss restructuring options. We can extend the tenure or convert vehicle financing to a logbook loan. We’re here to help, not penalize.
Are there hidden charges?
No hidden fees whatsoever. We clearly state our interest rate and one-time processing fee upfront. No insurance requirements, no legal fees, no surprises.
Can I apply before my cargo ships?
Yes! Pre-shipment applications are encouraged. Get pre-approved while your cargo is in transit and avoid any delays upon arrival.
Conclusion
Import duty financing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for smart importers who understand the true cost of delayed cargo clearance. With Jijenge Credit Ltd, you gain more than just a loan; you get a strategic partner committed to your import success.
Don’t let your cargo accumulate expensive storage charges or risk auction while you scramble for duty payments. Our import duty finance solutions ensure your goods move from port to market in record time, keeping your business competitive and profitable.
Jijenge Credit Ltd – Your Trusted Partner in Import Duty Financing. Licensed and Regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.



