When screening vehicles, Kenyan buyers should include the required steering side in the inquiry criteria and then verify the physical vehicle's factory specification. A sales page that says RHD and a photo showing the steering wheel on the right are each insufficient to establish that the vehicle was never modified.
The Kenya Revenue Authority's vehicle import knowledge base includes steering side among the conditions to check before import. A specific vehicle must be confirmed against current requirements from the competent authorities; this article does not use that guidance to promise that any converted vehicle will be admitted.
Trace the Factory Configuration from the Vehicle's Identity
Ask the seller for vehicle identification information, original registration documents and material showing the factory configuration. During review, confirm that every document belongs to the same vehicle and that the model stated in the documents matches the physical identification plate.
If the supplier uses information for a model series, ask whether it covers the particular version. Where a series had different configurations in different markets, a general marketing page cannot replace the record for that vehicle. Record the information gap accurately.
Buyers can first browse the Starvia used-car catalog to identify inquiry candidates, then state the RHD requirement separately. A catalog listing does not confirm a particular vehicle's steering side, stock status or eligibility for admission into Kenya.
Require a Complete Work Record for Any Claimed Changes
If the seller mentions changes to the dashboard, steering system or related components, first ask for the scope and reason. Purchasing staff should not interpret “already converted” as compliance with the manufacturer's design or local law.
Request the identity of the workshop, components used, technical basis and subsequent inspection material. Where no record exists, avoid setting a shipment date on which payment depends because the buyer cannot yet determine how much additional verification is required.
| Level of evidence | Who should provide it | What it can answer |
|---|---|---|
| Original vehicle identity | Seller and holder of original registration records | Whether the documents match the physical vehicle |
| Basis for factory configuration | Verifiable manufacturer information channel | Original steering side and configuration |
| Work order for later changes | Workshop that performed the work | What changes were made |
| Current technical opinion | Inspector with relevant capability | Current inspection scope and findings |
| Import applicability response | Local personnel responsible for declarations and verification | Which specific documents are still missing |
These materials should complement one another. A workshop's statement covers only its work and cannot provide an admission or registration conclusion on behalf of another organization.
Rule Out Mirrored Images and Material from Another Vehicle First
If the video and documents show different steering sides, first check whether an image was mirrored or promotional material from another vehicle was used. Request original records that include the physical vehicle's identification information rather than rushing to conclude that it was converted.
If conflicts remain after material issues have been excluded, note each point of conflict in the inspection instruction. Let a professional determine how to check the relevant systems; do not ask ordinary purchasing staff to disassemble the dashboard in search of evidence.
If the seller can provide only close-ups, request an overall view of the cabin and relevant labels. A wider view helps identify the subject but does not automatically become a vehicle safety assessment.
Use Purchase Terms to Address Unexplained Specification Changes
The order attachment should state the buyer's required steering side and the scope of supporting evidence, and set out how the parties will pause and discuss a mismatch between documents and the vehicle. Do not substitute a vague phrase such as “suitable for export” for this condition.
Budget sourcing can compare candidates from different years and in different conditions, but should not present an unverified modification as a price advantage. If verification cost and uncertainty exceed the acceptable range, consider a vehicle with clear factory documentation.
FAQ
Does a photo of a steering wheel on the right prove factory-original RHD?
It proves only the position shown in the image. Factory information and records of later changes still need review.
Can the original registration certificate answer every technical question?
No. Registration records support identity and history checks; the technical condition still requires professional inspection.
The seller says other buyers imported similar vehicles. Can that precedent be followed directly?
It cannot confirm the current vehicle. Transaction timing, the specific configuration and documentation all require new verification.
Must the order be cancelled immediately if the documents conflict?
First pause any decision that relies on the conflicting information and agree on additional verification. Any cancellation should be handled under the contract.
When submitting an inquiry through the Starvia Automotive contact page or WhatsApp, also state the Kenyan destination market, the required steering side and the factory material you want checked so the specific vehicle can be discussed.
Reference: Kenya Revenue Authority vehicle import knowledge base. This article offers advice on verifying vehicle documents and does not provide conversion instructions or a guarantee of import clearance. Information checked on 2026-09-04.