East Africa - Long Term

[JBJersey]

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.....

Any knowledgeable help gratefully received.

Many thanks

James

[Wazungu]

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.

[JBJersey]

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

[Wazungu]

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!