The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Owning a car in Kenya has become significantly more expensive, with the average vehicle price rising by 72 percent over the past two years to Sh1.37 million, according to a new report by online marketplace Jiji.
The report indicates that the average listed price climbed from Sh797,000 in 2024 to Sh1.37 million in 2026, largely due to rising import costs.
A key factor behind the increase is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) revised Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule, which determines the customs value of imported second-hand vehicles. The updated valuation has increased import duties, driving up retail prices for many popular models.
For instance, the price of a Toyota Vitz (1300cc) has increased from roughly Sh1.3 million to about Sh1.5 million following the changes.
Despite the rising costs, Jiji noted that locally available pre-owned vehicles continue to attract buyers by providing a broader selection of models at relatively affordable prices.
The report further revealed that the median asking price for locally used vehicles has now surpassed Sh1 million, marking a new milestone in Kenya’s second-hand car market.
Imported used vehicles remain considerably more expensive, with an average listing price of around Sh4.5 million compared to approximately Sh1.5 million for locally used cars, making foreign-used models nearly three times costlier on average.
Overall, the average asking price across all vehicle listings on the platform stands at about Sh2.5 million, highlighting the broad price range of cars currently available in the Kenyan market.
