How to Send Goods to Kenya from the UK
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Sending goods from the UK to Kenya? Your first big decision is time versus money. Air freight is fast but expensive, especially for bulky items. Sea freight is much cheaper, but your goods will spend several weeks on the water before they reach the Port of Mombasa, so it is not ideal for anything urgent or perishable.
Once you have picked a method, here is what you need to know to get your goods out of the UK and through Kenyan customs.
1. Choose a UK freight forwarder
A freight forwarder collects or receives your goods in the UK, books space on a plane or ship, and handles the export paperwork. Many UK forwarders have regular shipments to Nairobi and Mombasa.
- The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the UK trade body for freight forwarders and has a searchable member directory.
- Ask for a written quote that shows the freight cost, any collection charges and whether the quote ends at the Kenyan port/airport or includes clearing and delivery in Kenya.
- For small parcels, a courier or postal service may be simpler than a forwarder. Compare a few options.
2. Get a licensed clearing agent in Kenya
When your goods land in Kenya, they must be cleared through customs by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). In most cases you nominate a KRA-licensed customs clearing agent to do this for you. Some UK forwarders work with a Kenyan partner agent, so ask whether this is included. See our list of customs agents and always confirm the agent is on KRA’s current licensed list.
3. Prepare your documents
KRA typically asks for:
- The original Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
- A commercial invoice or a valued inventory of the goods, and a packing list
- Your KRA PIN certificate and ID or passport
- A letter authorising your clearing agent to act for you
- Any permits needed for restricted goods (for example, food, plants, medicines or pets)
4. Work out the duty and taxes
Kenya applies the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff to goods from outside the EAC, including the UK. Since 1 July 2022 the tariff has four main bands:
- 0% for raw materials and capital goods
- 10% for intermediate goods
- 25% for intermediate goods available in the region
- 35% for many finished goods
Some “sensitive” items attract higher rates. On top of import duty, most goods also attract VAT (standard rate 16%), and some attract excise duty. KRA also charges an Import Declaration Fee and a Railway Development Levy, both worked out as a percentage of the customs value. These levy rates have changed several times in recent Finance Acts, so ask your clearing agent or KRA for the current figures before you ship.
Moving back home for good? Kenyan citizens who have lived abroad for at least two years can bring in used personal and household effects free of import duty, excise duty, VAT and IDF, provided the goods arrive within three months of their return. Check KRA’s guidelines for returning residents before you pack.
Do not under-declare the value of your goods to save on duty. KRA can reassess the value, charge penalties and hold your goods until you pay.
For more on Kenyan import rules, read our guide on how to import goods into Kenya.
