Kenya Shipping Guide
Kenya is East Africa's largest economy and logistics hub. Mombasa Port is the region's most important deep-water port. The SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) from Mombasa to Nairobi, built by China, has significantly improved freight efficiency from port to inland. China is Kenya's largest import source. The Kenyan market has strong demand for Chinese machinery, electronics, building materials, and consumer goods. Kenya also serves as a gateway to the broader East African Community market.
Basic Information
Major Ports & Airports
East Africa's largest deep-water port with annual container throughput exceeding 1.3 million TEUs. The primary gateway for Chinese goods entering East Africa.
Located in Nairobi, East Africa's largest aviation hub and a key African cargo transit point.
Customs & Clearance
Kenya Customs operates under the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) using the iCMS electronic clearance system with continuously improving efficiency.
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- KEBS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC)
Restricted Items
- Plastic bags are banned in Kenya
- Used clothing imports require special permits
- Electronics require KEBS certification
- Food products must meet EAC standards
Customs Tips
Kenya strictly enforces its plastic bag ban — packaging must not contain plastic bags. PVoC pre-shipment inspection is mandatory for regulated products.
Logistics Services
- FCL (Full Container Load)
- LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Air Freight
- SGR Railway Transport
- DDP Door-to-Door
Logistics Challenges
The SGR railway has dramatically improved port-to-Nairobi transport, reducing transit from 7 days to 1 day. However, Mombasa Port may still experience congestion during peak periods, especially with transit cargo for neighboring countries.
Common Trade Goods
Exports from China
Imports from Country
Practical Tips
- 1Strictly comply with the plastic bag ban — use eco-friendly packaging
- 2Complete PVoC pre-shipment inspection
- 3Leverage the SGR railway for efficient Nairobi delivery
- 4Kenya is the EAC gateway — ideal for reaching neighboring markets