Popular Japanese cars for Kenya in 2026 include the Toyota Axio, Fielder and Premio, Toyota Vitz/Yaris, Nissan Note, Mazda Demio/Mazda2, Honda Fit, Subaru Forester, Toyota Harrier and Nissan X-Trail. All of them can still be found as cars first registered in 2019 or later, which is what Kenya’s age rule requires this year.
Key takeaways
- In 2026 Kenya only accepts cars first registered on or after 1 January 2019.
- This list is our pick of popular models that exist as 2019+ cars, not a sales ranking.
- Some models changed name or ended: the Vitz became the Yaris in 2020, the Demio became the Mazda2 in 2019 and the Premio ended in 2021.
- The 2027 cut-off had not been announced as of 1 October 2026; KEBS usually announces it in mid-November.
First, check the age rule
Kenya counts a car’s age from its year of first registration. From 1 January 2026, only right-hand-drive cars first registered in 2019 or later are accepted (KEBS, standard KS 1515:2000).
The window moves forward every January. If your car will arrive in 2027, wait for the KEBS announcement or ask our Mombasa or Nairobi office before you pay. Our Kenya age limit guide explains the rule in detail.
Will my car be allowed into Kenya?
Every car also needs a pre-export inspection in Japan by QISJ, which issues a Certificate of Roadworthiness. See our QISJ inspection guide.
Our pick: 10 popular models available as 2019+ cars
These models are widely driven in Kenya and were sold new in Japan in 2019 or later. The order is not a ranking.
| Model | Type | 2019+ versions |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Axio | Sedan | Continued after 2019 in simplified “EX” grades |
| Toyota Fielder | Station wagon | Continued after 2019 in “EX” grades |
| Toyota Premio | Sedan | Sold until 2021 |
| Toyota Vitz / Yaris | Hatchback | Vitz until early 2020, then the new Yaris |
| Nissan Note | Hatchback | Previous model to 2020 (incl. e-Power); new e-Power model from late 2020 |
| Mazda Demio / Mazda2 | Hatchback | Renamed Mazda2 in 2019 |
| Honda Fit | Hatchback | Late 3rd generation and 4th generation (2020+) |
| Subaru Forester | SUV | 5th generation (2018–2025); 6th generation from 2025 |
| Toyota Harrier | SUV | Previous model to 2020, new model from 2020 |
| Nissan X-Trail | SUV | Previous model to 2022, e-Power model from 2022 |
Browse all eligible cars in our 2019-and-newer stock, then ask us to confirm the first-registration date of the car you like.
Sedans and wagons
Toyota Axio
A simple, practical sedan that many Kenyan drivers know well. After the new Corolla sedan arrived in 2019, Toyota kept building the Axio in “EX” grades, so 2019+ cars exist. See the 2019+ Axio stock.
Toyota Fielder
The wagon version, popular with families and small businesses for its boot space. It also continued after 2019 in “EX” grades. Our Fielder vs Axio guide helps you choose. See the 2019+ Fielder stock.
Toyota Premio
A larger, more comfortable sedan. Production ended in 2021, so only 2019–2021 cars qualify. See the 2019+ Premio stock.
Small hatchbacks
Toyota Vitz / Yaris
The Vitz was replaced by the new Yaris in Japan in 2020. A 2019 Vitz or a 2020+ Yaris both meet the rule. See the Yaris stock.
Nissan Note
A roomy small car. The e-Power versions use a petrol engine to power an electric motor. The newer model (from late 2020) is e-Power only. See the 2019+ Note stock.
Mazda Demio / Mazda2
Mazda renamed the Demio as the Mazda2 in 2019. It is a stylish, agile hatchback with petrol and diesel versions. See the 2019+ Mazda2 stock.
Honda Fit
Known for its flexible “Magic Seat” interior. The hybrid is popular for city driving. Read our Honda Fit buying guide and Aqua vs Fit Hybrid comparison. See the 2019+ Fit stock.
SUVs
Subaru Forester
All-wheel drive as standard and good for rougher roads. The fifth generation (2018–2025) is the main 2019+ version; a new sixth generation went on sale in Japan in 2025. See the 2019+ Forester stock.
Toyota Harrier
A comfortable, upmarket SUV with petrol and hybrid versions. See the 2019+ Harrier stock.
Nissan X-Trail
A practical family SUV. The newest model (from 2022 in Japan) uses e-Power. See the 2019+ X-Trail stock.
Other popular 2019+ choices include the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Hiace. For smaller crossovers such as the Vezel, C-HR, CX-3 and Kicks, see our 2019+ crossovers for Kenya.
What to check before you buy
- First-registration date: it must be 2019 or later. Ask us to confirm before paying.
- Auction sheet: check the grade, repair marks and mileage. Our auction sheet guide explains them.
- QISJ inspection: the car must pass to get its Certificate of Roadworthiness.
- Landed cost: duty is set by KRA and depends on the car’s value, engine and age. Use KRA’s official information and our landed cost checklist.
Pay only to a bank account in Japan in the name “Autocom Japan Inc”. Read our guide on how to avoid scams.
For the full process, read how to import a car from Japan to Kenya or visit our Kenya import rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a 2018 car to Kenya in 2026?
No. From 1 January 2026, only cars first registered in 2019 or later are accepted.
Will 2019 cars still be allowed in 2027?
KEBS had not announced the 2027 cut-off as of 1 October 2026. It usually announces it in mid-November, so check before buying a car that will arrive in 2027.
Can I still buy a Toyota Premio for Kenya?
Yes, if it was first registered between 2019 and 2021, when production ended.
Is the Mazda2 the same as the Demio?
Yes. Mazda renamed the Demio as the Mazda2 in Japan in 2019.
