The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule for used vehicles, effective July 1, 2025, impacting the importation of Maruti Suzuki vehicles into Kenya. The CRSP serves as the basis for calculating import duties, VAT, excise duties, and other levies, influencing costs for importers, dealers, and consumers. This guide explores the 2025 CRSP schedule for Maruti Suzuki vehicles, providing insights into its implications and strategies for navigating the Kenyan automotive market.
Understanding the KRA CRSP Schedule
The CRSP is a standardized valuation system used by the KRA to determine the customs value of imported used vehicles. This value is critical for calculating:
- Import Duty: 35% of the customs value.
- Excise Duty: 25% for engines up to 3000cc.
- VAT: 16% of (customs value + import duty + excise duty).
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of the customs value (minimum KES 5,000).
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of the customs value.
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Maruti Suzuki vehicles includes a diverse lineup of hatchbacks, SUVs, and vans, featuring petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants. Models like the Baleno, Swift, Jimny, and Grand Vitara cater to Kenya’s demand for affordable, fuel-efficient, and versatile vehicles.
Reasons for the 2025 Update
The KRA updates the CRSP schedule to reflect:
- Currency Fluctuations: Changes in the Kenyan Shilling’s value against the Indian Rupee and other currencies impact import costs.
- Market Trends: Growing demand for compact SUVs, hybrid vehicles, and budget-friendly hatchbacks influences pricing.
- Government Policies: Incentives for hybrid vehicles and tax adjustments to boost revenue shape CRSP values.
- Global Factors: Rising production and shipping costs due to supply chain dynamics contribute to price updates.
This update ensures customs valuations align with Kenya’s automotive market dynamics as of July 31, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CRSP Schedule for Maruti Suzuki Vehicles
The 2025 CRSP schedule covers Maruti Suzuki’s extensive range, from entry-level hatchbacks like the Celerio to rugged SUVs like the Jimny. Below is a detailed breakdown of selected models, categorized by vehicle type, with CRSP values in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Hatchbacks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALENO | GL | 5MT | 2WD | 1400 | 3,216,572 | Petrol |
| BALENO | GLX TURBO | 6AT | 2WD | 1000 | 4,402,031 | Petrol |
| CELERIO | BASE | 5MT | 2WD | 1000 | 2,872,905 | Petrol |
| SWIFT | GL NAVI | 5MT | 2WD | 1200 | 3,591,131 | Petrol |
| SWIFT | GLX SHADOW | 6AT | 2WD | 1000 | 5,977,495 | Petrol |
| SWIFT | HYBRID GLX | CVT | 2WD | 1200 | 4,459,953 | Hybrid |
SUVs
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND VITARA | NAVIGATOR (4X2) | 4AT | 2WD | 2400 | 9,962,492 | Hybrid |
| GRAND VITARA | SPORTS (4X4) | 5MT | 4WD | 2400 | 7,413,947 | Petrol |
| IGNIS | GLX SHADOW | CVT | 2WD | 1200 | 4,680,054 | Hybrid |
| JIMNY | XL HERITAGE EDITION | 5MT | 2WD | 1500 | 7,723,827 | Hybrid |
| S-CROSS | TURBO GLXS (QLD) | 6AT | 2WD | 1400 | 7,390,779 | Petrol |
| VITARA | TURBO SHADOW | 6AT | 2WD | 1400 | 7,668,802 | Hybrid |
Vans
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APV | BASE | 5MT | 2WD | 1600 | 3,892,322 | Petrol |
Implications for the Kenyan Automotive Market
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Maruti Suzuki vehicles has significant implications for importers, dealers, and consumers, particularly in the budget and compact vehicle segments.
For Importers
- High-Value Models: Models like the GRAND VITARA NAVIGATOR (4X2) (KES 9,962,492) face higher import duties due to elevated CRSP values, potentially limiting import volumes.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Hybrid variants like the SWIFT HYBRID GLX (KES 4,459,953) and IGNIS GLX SHADOW (KES 4,680,054) may benefit from tax incentives, encouraging imports.
- Depreciation Advantage: Importing older models (e.g., 2018 models with 65% depreciation) reduces customs values, making models like the CELERIO BASE (KES 2,872,905) more viable.
For Dealers
- Pricing Strategies: Higher CRSP values for models like the GRAND VITARA NAVIGATOR (4X2) require competitive pricing to attract buyers.
- Inventory Focus: Affordable models like the BALENO GL (KES 3,216,572) and SWIFT GL NAVI (KES 3,591,131) appeal to budget-conscious consumers, prompting dealers to prioritize these variants.
- Marketing Opportunities: Highlighting the fuel efficiency of the CELERIO, the off-road capability of the JIMNY, and the hybrid technology of the S-CROSS can attract diverse customers.
For Consumers
- Budget Appeal: Entry-level models like the CELERIO BASE and BALENO GL cater to cost-conscious buyers seeking reliable vehicles.
- Versatile Options: SUVs like the JIMNY XL HERITAGE EDITION and GRAND VITARA SPORTS (4X4) appeal to adventure enthusiasts.
- Eco-Conscious Choices: Hybrid models like the SWIFT HYBRID GLX and VITARA TURBO SHADOW attract buyers seeking sustainability with potential tax benefits.
How CRSP Affects Customs Valuation
The CRSP determines the customs value, adjusted for depreciation based on vehicle age (e.g., 65% for 2018 models in 2025). The customs value is used to calculate taxes and levies.
Example Calculation for Maruti Suzuki Baleno GL (CRSP KES 3,216,572, 1400cc, 2018 model):
- Depreciation: 65% (2018 model) → Customs Value = 3,216,572 × (1 – 0.65) = KES 1,125,800
- Import Duty: 35% of 1,125,800 = KES 394,030
- Excise Duty: 25% of (1,125,800 + 394,030) = KES 379,957
- VAT: 16% of (1,125,800 + 394,030 + 379,957) = KES 303,966
- IDF: 3.5% of 1,125,800 = KES 39,403
- RDL: 2% of 1,125,800 = KES 22,516
- Total Taxes (approx.): KES 1,139,872
- Total Landed Cost: KES 1,125,800 + 1,139,872 = KES 2,265,672
This calculation illustrates how CRSP and depreciation impact the final cost of importing a vehicle.
Strategies for Navigating the New CRSP Schedule
- For Importers:
- Prioritize models like the CELERIO BASE or BALENO GL to minimize tax burdens.
- Focus on hybrid variants like the SWIFT HYBRID GLX and IGNIS GLX SHADOW to leverage potential tax incentives.
- Source vehicles from markets with favorable exchange rates, such as India, to offset CRSP values.
- For Dealers:
- Offer financing options for higher-end models like the GRAND VITARA NAVIGATOR (4X2) to make them accessible.
- Promote the affordability, fuel efficiency, and hybrid features of Maruti Suzuki’s lineup in marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate with customs agents to ensure accurate valuation and streamline clearance processes.
- For Consumers:
- Compare CRSP values to identify cost-effective models like the CELERIO BASE or SWIFT GL NAVI.
- Consider hybrid models for potential tax breaks and fuel savings.
- Verify chassis codes and documentation to ensure accurate valuation and avoid customs disputes.
The Future of Maruti Suzuki Vehicles in Kenya
The 2025 CRSP schedule solidifies Maruti Suzuki’s position in Kenya’s budget and compact vehicle market, with models like the Baleno, Swift, and Celerio appealing to cost-conscious buyers, while SUVs like the Jimny and Grand Vitara attract adventure seekers. Hybrid models like the S-CROSS TURBO SHADOW and IGNIS GLX SHADOW align with Kenya’s push for sustainable transport, potentially benefiting from tax incentives. As Kenya’s middle class grows and demand for affordable vehicles rises, Maruti Suzuki’s low-cost, fuel-efficient models are well-positioned, though high CRSP values for models like the GRAND VITARA NAVIGATOR (4X2) may shift focus to entry-level variants. The anticipated shift to an invoice-based valuation system by July 2025 could streamline costs, benefiting importers and consumers.
The KRA’s 2025 CRSP schedule for Maruti Suzuki vehicles, effective July 31, 2025, introduces updated valuations that shape the cost of importing hatchbacks, SUVs, and vans. By understanding these changes, importers, dealers, and consumers can make informed decisions in Kenya’s competitive automotive market. From the economical Celerio to the rugged Jimny and eco-friendly S-Cross, Maruti Suzuki offers a vehicle for every budget and lifestyle. Stay proactive, verify valuations, and adopt strategic planning to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
