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BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

Buying a car safely in Kenya

Inspect the car, check the logbook and import papers, and pay only once you have confirmed the car. A practical checklist for VeloCars buyers.

Last updated 1 November 2026

The golden rule: pay only once you have seen the car, test-driven it and confirmed its documents. VeloCars never asks you to pay for a car through VeloCars, and never holds money for a sale.

Before you visit

  • Contact the dealer through the listing, by WhatsApp, phone or enquiry, and ask for the car’s registration number or chassis number.
  • Ask whether the price includes registration, transfer and any other fees, and get the full amount in writing.
  • Be careful with prices far below similar cars on the market, and with sellers who rush you or will only talk by text.
  • Never send a deposit or “booking fee” to hold a car you have not seen.

Inspect the car

  • View the car in daylight at the dealer’s premises or another safe, public place.
  • Check that the chassis and engine numbers on the car match the documents.
  • Take a test drive, and if you can, bring a mechanic or book an independent inspection.
  • Ask for service records and the reason for any warning lights, repairs or repainting.

Check the documents

  • Locally registered cars: do an official vehicle search through NTSA on eCitizen. Confirm the owner, check for any bank interest (caveat) on the logbook, and make sure the seller is entitled to sell.
  • Imported or in-transit cars: ask for the import and KRA customs documents, the duty paid or to be paid, and the expected registration timeline.
  • Agree in writing who handles the logbook transfer and when you will receive it.

Paying safely

  • Pay the dealer’s business account or official paybill, not a personal number you were given in a message.
  • Get a written sale agreement that names the car, the price and what has been paid, and a receipt for every payment.
  • For instalment plans, make sure the schedule and what happens if a payment is late are written into the agreement.
  • Never share your M-Pesa PIN, bank PIN or one-time codes with anyone.

Report a problem

If a listing looks wrong or a seller asks for money in a way that worries you, stop and email support@velocars.co.ke with the listing link. If you have been defrauded, report it to the police as well.

This guide is general advice. It is not an inspection of any car and does not replace professional or legal advice.