East Africa - Long Term
 

Hello,
I have 'done' Africa, north to south and west to east, doesn't mean i have seen it all by any means, but i now want to try something slightly different.

Does anyone know if (how) it is possible to leave a foreign vehicle in (say) Kenya for an extended period, maybe 2-3 years. I am contemplating buying a truck and motorbike which i can base there for extended trips. I have somewhere physical to leave them, but i don't have an up to date idea on temporary importation.
Is there a time limit?
Will a TIP allow me to leave it there almost indefinitely?
Would i have to dip in / out of any of the neighbouring countries to reset the time allowed?
Is it shown in your passport (as it used to be) which can create a problem when you fly out?
Clearly taking a vehicle in and then at some point leaving and being told i owe $$$$ in duty would be something of a PITA ;-)
I would probably plan to ship into Mombassa or DeS rather than drive from here. Must be getting soft in my old age.....:innocent:

Any knowledgeable help gratefully received.

Many thanks

James

James

You would not be able to legally leave a vehicle in Kenya for more than three months. The foreign vehicle road tax has a maximum validity of three months - although this, I think, can be extended at Customs at Times Tower in Nairobi (or you exit the country and obtain another foreign vehicle road tax on return). I think you would need a Carnet for shipping into Mombasa and you would have to ask your shipping agents beforehand. There is then the issue of keeping a Carnet up to date for 2-3 years. I presume a TIP would also have a maximum validity of three months although I have never had a TIP for Kenya.

The best person to ask is Chris at Jungle Junction in Nairobi as he stores vehicles for overlanders and will know the art of the legally possible.

Wazungu - thank you. Makes sense. I will try JJ's and see if there is any wheeze that allows vehicles to hang around longer..

James

I am sure you are aware that Kenya is a sophisticated African country with bureaucracy to match. "Wheezes"? - I wouldn't go down that route or implicate anyone doing anything illegal or anything which could cause you the most appalling hassle.

However, I am sure something might be possible with drivers and exiting the country every three months.

Safari njema!