The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule for used motorcycles, effective July 1, 2025, impacting the importation of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha motorcycles 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 these motorcycle brands, providing insights into its implications and strategies for navigating the Kenyan motorcycle market as of July 1, 2025.
Understanding the KRA CRSP Schedule
The CRSP is a standardized valuation system used by the KRA to determine the customs value of imported used motorcycles. This value is critical for calculating:
- Import Duty: 25% of the customs value for motorcycles.
- Excise Duty: 20% for engines up to 250cc, 30% for engines above 250cc.
- 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 Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha motorcycles includes scooters, sport bikes, adventure bikes, cruisers, and off-road models, featuring gasoline and electric powertrains. Models like the Honda CB1000R, Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja H2, and Yamaha YZF-R1 cater to Kenya’s demand for affordable, performance, and versatile motorcycles.
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 scooters, adventure bikes, and electric motorcycles influences pricing.
- Government Policies: Incentives for electric vehicles and 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 motorcycle market dynamics as of July 1, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CRSP Schedule for Motorcycles
The 2025 CRSP schedule covers a diverse range of motorcycles from Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha, from entry-level scooters to high-performance sport bikes. Below is a detailed breakdown of selected models, categorized by brand and type, with CRSP values in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Honda Motorcycles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENLY | PRO | CVT | 49 | 327,322 | Gasoline | 1 |
| ADV160 | – | CVT | 156 | 611,950 | Gasoline | 2 |
| CB1000R | BLACK EDITION | 6MT | 998 | 2,220,096 | Gasoline | 2 |
| CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN | ADVENTURE SPORTS ES (DCT) | DCT | 1082 | 2,120,477 | Gasoline | 2 |
| BENLY E: I PRO | – | – | 0 | 907,963 | Electric | 1 |
| GOLD WING TOUR | – | DCT | 1833 | 4,482,887 | Gasoline | 2 |
Suzuki Motorcycles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LET’S | – | CVT | 49 | 195,358 | Gasoline | 1 |
| ADDRESS 125 | – | CVT | 124 | 354,362 | Gasoline | 2 |
| GIXXER SF250 | – | 6MT | 249 | 666,029 | Gasoline | 2 |
| GSX-R1000R ABS | – | 6MT | 999 | 2,445,211 | Gasoline | 2 |
| HAYABUSA | – | 6MT | 1339 | 2,789,352 | Gasoline | 2 |
| V-STROM1050DE | – | 6MT | 1036 | 2,220,096 | Gasoline | 2 |
Kawasaki Motorcycles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KX65 | – | 6MT | 64 | 364,841 | Gasoline | 2 |
| NINJA 250 | – | 6MT | 248 | 754,264 | Gasoline | 2 |
| Z650RS | – | 6MT | 649 | 1,337,750 | Gasoline | 2 |
| NINJA H2 CARBON | – | 6MT | 998 | 4,269,416 | Gasoline | 1 |
| NINJA E-1 | – | – | 0 | 1,380,445 | Electric | 2 |
| NINJA ZX-10RR | – | 6MT | 998 | 3,506,096 | Gasoline | 1 |
Yamaha Motorcycles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOG | – | CVT | 49 | 200,533 | Gasoline | 1 |
| NMAX ABS | – | CVT | 124 | 490,983 | Gasoline | 2 |
| YZF-R25 ABS | – | 6MT | 249 | 893,731 | Gasoline | 2 |
| TENERE700 | – | 6MT | 688 | 1,807,036 | Gasoline | 2 |
| YZF-R1M ABS | – | 6MT | 997 | 4,127,102 | Gasoline | 2 |
| E-VINO | – | – | 0 | 407,018 | Electric | 1 |
Implications for the Kenyan Motorcycle Market
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha motorcycles has significant implications for importers, dealers, and consumers, particularly in the scooter, sport, and off-road segments.
For Importers
- Premium Models: High-end models like the Honda GOLD WING TOUR (KES 4,482,605), Kawasaki NINJA H2 CARBON (KES 4,269,416), Suzuki HAYABUSA (KES 2,789,352), and Yamaha YZF-R1M ABS (KES 4,127,102) face higher import duties due to elevated CRSP values, potentially limiting import volumes.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Electric models like the Honda BENLY E: I PRO (KES 907,963), Kawasaki NINJA E-1 (KES 1,380,445), and Yamaha E-VINO (KES 407,018) may benefit from tax incentives, encouraging imports.
- Depreciation Advantage: Importing older models (e.g., 2018 models with 60% depreciation for motorcycles) reduces customs values, making models like the Suzuki LET’S (KES 195,358) and Yamaha JOG (KES 200,533) more viable.
For Dealers
- Pricing Strategies: High CRSP values for models like the Yamaha YZF-R1M (KES 4,127,102) and Honda GOLD WING TOUR (KES 4,482,887) require competitive financing or leasing options to attract buyers.
- Inventory Focus: Affordable models like the Honda BENLY (KES 327,322), Suzuki ADDRESS V50 (KES 209,590), Kawasaki Z125 PRO (KES 414,004), and Yamaha AXIS Z (KES 291,097) appeal to budget-conscious commuters, prompting dealers to prioritize these variants.
- Marketing Opportunities: Highlighting the performance of the Suzuki GSX-R, Kawasaki Ninja, Yamaha YZF-R, and the adventure-ready Honda CRF1100L can attract diverse customers.
For Consumers
- Performance Appeal: Models like the Suzuki GSX-R1000R, Kawasaki NINJA ZX-10R, Yamaha YZF-R1, and Honda CBR1000RR-R cater to enthusiasts seeking high-performance sport bikes.
- Eco-Conscious: Electric models like the Yamaha E-VINO and Honda BENLY E: appeal to commuters seeking sustainable options with potential tax benefits.
- Affordable Utility: Scooters like the Suzuki ADDRESS 125, Yamaha NMAX, Honda PCX160, and Kawasaki Z125 PRO appeal to urban riders needing practical transport solutions.
How CRSP Affects Customs Valuation
The CRSP determines the customs value, adjusted for depreciation based on vehicle age (e.g., 60% for 2018 motorcycle models in 2025). The customs value is used to calculate taxes and levies.
Example Calculation for Honda BENLY PRO (CRSP KES 327,322, 49cc, 2018 model):
- Depreciation: 60% (2018 model) → Customs Value = 327,322 × (1 – 0.60) = KES 130,929
- Import Duty: 25% of 130,929 = KES 32,732
- Excise Duty: 20% of (130,929 + 32,732) = KES 32,732
- VAT: 16% of (130,929 + 32,732 + 32,732) = KES 31,398
- IDF: 3.5% of 130,929 = KES 5,000 (minimum)
- RDL: 2% of 130,929 = KES 2,619
- Total Taxes (approx.): KES 104,481
- Total Landed Cost: KES 130,929 + 104,481 = KES 235,410
This calculation illustrates how CRSP and depreciation impact the final cost of importing a motorcycle.
Strategies for Navigating the New CRSP Schedule
- For Importers:
- Prioritize models like the Suzuki LET’S (KES 195,358), Yamaha JOG (KES 200,533), Honda BENLY (KES 327,322), or Kawasaki Z125 PRO (KES 414,004) to minimize tax burdens.
- Focus on electric variants like the Honda BENLY E: I PRO and Yamaha E-VINO to leverage potential tax incentives.
- Source motorcycles from Japan for better pricing and clear histories, leveraging reliable import agents.
- For Dealers:
- Offer financing options for premium models like the Kawasaki NINJA H2, Honda GOLD WING, Suzuki HAYABUSA, and Yamaha YZF-R1 to make them accessible.
- Promote the affordability, reliability, and eco-friendly features of these brands’ lineups 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 Honda PCX, Suzuki ADDRESS, Kawasaki Ninja 250, or Yamaha NMAX.
- Consider electric models for potential tax breaks and fuel savings.
- Verify model numbers and documentation to ensure accurate valuation and avoid customs disputes.
The Future of Motorcycles in Kenya
The 2025 CRSP schedule strengthens the position of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha in Kenya’s motorcycle market, with models like the Honda PCX, Suzuki ADDRESS, Kawasaki Ninja 250, and Yamaha NMAX appealing to urban commuters, while adventure bikes like the Honda CRF1100L and Yamaha TENERE700 cater to off-road enthusiasts. Electric models like the Kawasaki NINJA E-1 and Yamaha E-VINO align with the push for sustainable transport, and affordable scooters broaden these brands’ reach. As Kenya’s urban population grows and demand for two-wheelers increases, these manufacturers’ reputations for reliability, performance, and innovation position them well, potentially benefiting from tax incentives. The anticipated shift to an invoice-based valuation system by July 2025 could streamline costs, benefiting importers and consumers. Their focus on affordability, performance, and sustainability ensures competitiveness against rivals like Bajaj and TVS.
The KRA’s 2025 CRSP schedule for Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha motorcycles, effective July 1, 2025, introduces updated valuations that shape the cost of importing scooters, sport bikes, and adventure models. By understanding these changes, importers, dealers, and consumers can make informed decisions in Kenya’s dynamic motorcycle market. From the agile Honda CB1000R to the iconic Suzuki HAYABUSA, versatile Kawasaki Ninja, and powerful Yamaha YZF-R1, these brands offer a motorcycle for every rider. Stay proactive, verify valuations, and adopt strategic planning to thrive in this competitive landscape.
