I am currently applying for a carnet through the Canadian AA, and they tell me that Kenya's carnet rate is 140%. I'm not sure if this is the same as the import duty.

- Witt

[This message has been edited by witt (edited 25 September 2003).]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation in that I'm driving down to Nairobi via Egypt and I'm planning on working out there for a bit (maybe up to a year) - after speaking to Paul and Sue at RAC what I gather is that it is possible to either:

1/ get an extension on the carnet once it lapses (they last for a year) thru the AA in Kenya - they will contact the RAC in the UK to make sure your carnet is valid - all this will be done at a small fee but BEWARE - if rather than raising your own indemnity you get the insurance company that RAC recommends (ie RL Davidson & Co) to underwrite the deposit for you - YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY A FURTHER 10% premium to them to renew the indemnity (only half of which is refundable on your return).....

2/ you can enter Kenya on your carnet as normal and then once you decide to make Kenya the car's permanent home you have to contact a private company called COTECNA (w/site: cotecna.com/gov/kenya) to which the Kenya Revenue Authority has delegated the responsibility of getting all the duty owed on the vehicle ..how much it is though, I have no idea (I have heard rumours that it may be as much as 100% of the vehicle's value)
Don't forget though that it is common practice to undervalue the car for the carnet - by a substantial amount
Hope this is of help
George

I just checked the w/site address I was given for cotecna but (of course) it the right one..!
Had a look around though - check out:
http://www.revenue.go.ke/textc.html
this is the official w/site for the kenya rev. authority
or cotecna actual address in nairobi is:
Cotecna Inspection East Africa Ltd.
AON MINET
Nyerere / Mamlaka Rd,
PO Box 62526,
Nairobi,
Kenya
Tel: +254 2719397 / 719398
Fax: +254 2 712028
email: coinsnbo@cotecna.co.ke

George