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 Mazda 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 Mazda 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, 35% for engines above 3000cc (e.g., 3283cc models).
- 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 Mazda vehicles includes a wide range of models, from compact hatchbacks like the Carol to SUVs like the CX-80, sedans like the Mazda3, and commercial vehicles like the Titan. With petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric options, Mazda caters to Kenya’s demand for versatile, fuel-efficient, and premium 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 Japanese Yen impact import costs.
- Market Trends: Growing demand for SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles influences pricing.
- Government Policies: Incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside tax adjustments, 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 1, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CRSP Schedule for Mazda Vehicles
The 2025 CRSP schedule covers Mazda’s diverse lineup, including sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, wagons, vans, trucks, and convertibles. Below is a detailed breakdown of selected models, categorized by vehicle type, with CRSP values in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Sedans
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATENZA SEDAN | 25S L PACKAGE | 6AT | 2WD | 2488 | 6,902,145 | Gasoline |
| AXELA | HYBRID-S L PACKAGE | CVT | 2WD | 1997 | 5,609,552 | Gasoline |
| MAZDA3 SEDAN | X L PACKAGE | 6AT | 2WD | 1997 | 7,541,393 | Gasoline |
| MAZDA6 SEDAN | 25T S PACKAGE | 6AT | 2WD | 2488 | 9,085,369 | Gasoline |
SUVs
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 | 15S URBAN DRESSER | 6AT | 2WD | 1496 | 5,115,399 | Gasoline |
| CX-5 | 25S SPORTS APPEARANCE | 6AT | 4WD | 2488 | 7,536,806 | Gasoline |
| CX-60 | PHEV MODERN | 8AT | AWD | 2488 | 13,599,120 | Gasoline |
| CX-80 | PHEV PREMIUM SPORTS | 8AT | AWD | 2488 | 14,987,966 | Gasoline |
| MX-30 | EV MODEL | 6AT | 2WD | 0 | 9,288,604 | Electric |
Hatchbacks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL | HYBRID GS | CVT | 2WD | 657 | 2,217,710 | Gasoline |
| MAZDA2 | 15S L PACKAGE | 6AT | 2WD | 1496 | 4,222,093 | Gasoline |
| DEMIO | XD TOURING L PACKAGE | 6AT | 2WD | 1498 | 3,818,065 | Diesel |
Wagons
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLAIR CROSSOVER | HYBRID XT | CVT | AWD | 658 | 3,688,776 | Gasoline |
| FLAIR WAGON | CUSTOM STYLE HYBRID XT | CVT | 2WD | 658 | 3,910,991 | Gasoline |
| ROADSTER | S RF VS BURGUNDY SELECTION | 6MT | 2WD | 1997 | 7,224,105 | Gasoline |
Vans and Trucks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BONGO VAN | DX | 4AT | AWD | 1496 | 4,748,743 | Gasoline |
| SCRUM VAN | BUSTER | 4AT | 2WD | 658 | 2,802,136 | Gasoline |
| TITAN | Standard | 6AMT | AWD | 2999 | 10,223,929 | Gasoline |
| TITAN DUMP | Standard | 6AMT | 4WD | 2999 | 9,115,882 | Diesel |
Convertibles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROADSTER | S LEATHER PACKAGE | 6MT | 2WD | 1496 | 7,177,557 | Gasoline |
| ROADSTER RF | VS | 6MT | 2WD | 1997 | 7,860,870 | Gasoline |
Implications for the Kenyan Automotive Market
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Mazda vehicles has significant implications for importers, dealers, and consumers, particularly in the compact, SUV, and eco-friendly vehicle segments.
For Importers
- Premium Models: High-end models like the CX-80 PHEV PREMIUM SPORTS (KES 14,987,966) and CX-60 XD HYBRID PREMIUM MODE (KES 12,887,104) face higher import duties due to elevated CRSP values, potentially limiting import volumes.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Electric and hybrid models like the MX-30 EV MODEL (KES 9,288,604) and CX-60 PHEV MODERN (KES 13,599,120) may qualify for tax incentives, encouraging imports.
- Depreciation Advantage: Importing older models (e.g., 2018 models with 65% depreciation) reduces customs values, making models like the CAROL GS (KES 2,066,603) more viable.
For Dealers
- Pricing Strategies: High CRSP values for models like the TITAN (KES 10,223,929) require competitive pricing to attract buyers.
- Inventory Focus: Affordable models like the MAZDA2 15S (KES 2,888,800) and FLAIR WAGON HYBRID XS (KES 2,871,023) appeal to budget-conscious consumers, prompting dealers to prioritize these variants.
- Marketing Opportunities: Highlighting the performance of the ROADSTER, the versatility of the CX-5, and the eco-friendliness of the MX-30 EV can attract diverse customers.
For Consumers
- Budget Appeal: Entry-level models like the CAROL GS and MAZDA2 15S cater to cost-conscious buyers seeking reliable vehicles.
- Premium Options: SUVs like the CX-60 PHEV MODERN and CX-80 PHEV PREMIUM SPORTS appeal to buyers seeking luxury and performance.
- Eco-Conscious Choices: Electric and hybrid models like the MX-30 EV and FLAIR CROSSOVER HYBRID XT 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 Mazda Carol GS (CRSP KES 2,066,603, 658cc, 2018 model):
- Depreciation: 65% (2018 model) → Customs Value = 2,066,603 × (1 – 0.65) = KES 723,311
- Import Duty: 35% of 723,311 = KES 253,159
- Excise Duty: 25% of (723,311 + 253,159) = KES 244,117
- VAT: 16% of (723,311 + 253,159 + 244,117) = KES 195,294
- IDF: 3.5% of 723,311 = KES 25,316
- RDL: 2% of 723,311 = KES 14,466
- Total Taxes (approx.): KES 732,352
- Total Landed Cost: KES 723,311 + 732,352 = KES 1,455,663
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 CAROL GS or MAZDA2 15S to minimize tax burdens.
- Focus on electric and hybrid variants like the MX-30 EV and CX-60 PHEV MODERN to leverage potential tax incentives.
- Source vehicles from markets with favorable exchange rates, such as Japan, to offset CRSP values.
- For Dealers:
- Offer financing options for premium models like the CX-80 PHEV PREMIUM SPORTS to make them accessible.
- Promote the affordability, performance, and eco-friendly features of Mazda’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 CAROL GS or DEMIO 15S.
- Consider electric and 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 Mazda Vehicles in Kenya
The 2025 CRSP schedule reinforces Mazda’s position in Kenya’s automotive market, with models like the Mazda2, CX-5, and MX-30 appealing to budget-conscious buyers, SUV enthusiasts, and eco-conscious consumers. Affordable options like the Carol and Demio broaden the brand’s reach, while premium models like the CX-80 PHEV target affluent buyers. As Kenya promotes sustainable transport and its middle class grows, demand for Mazda’s electric and hybrid models is expected to rise, though high CRSP values for top-tier models may shift focus to more accessible 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 Mazda vehicles, effective July 1, 2025, introduces updated valuations that shape the cost of importing sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and more. By understanding these changes, importers, dealers, and consumers can make informed decisions in Kenya’s dynamic automotive market. From the compact Carol to the luxurious CX-80 and eco-friendly MX-30, Mazda offers a vehicle for every lifestyle. Stay proactive, verify valuations, and adopt strategic planning to thrive in this competitive landscape.
