Import & Export Guide: Kenya
Comprehensive guide to trading with Kenya. Import procedures, tariffs, customs regulations, and logistics infrastructure.
$40.2B
Total Trade Volume (2024)
24-48 hours
Avg. Customs Clearance
0-25%
Import Duty Range
Import Procedures
1. Pre-Shipment Requirements
- Import Declaration Form (IDF): Required for all imports. File via KRA iTax portal.
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Mandatory for regulated products from KEBS or PVoC agents.
- Import License: Specific goods require import permits from Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
- Commercial Invoice: Must include HS code, value, quantity, country of origin.
2. Customs Clearance Process
- Submit Customs Entry via Simba 2005 system (KRA online portal)
- KRA reviews documentation and assigns risk profile
- Physical inspection (if flagged) or documentary review
- Duty and VAT assessment and payment via iTax
- Release order issued upon full payment
- Port/warehouse release (Mombasa, Nairobi ICD, JKIA)
3. Required Documents
- ✓ Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- ✓ Commercial Invoice
- ✓ Packing List
- ✓ Certificate of Origin
- ✓ Insurance Certificate
- ✓ IDF Number
- ✓ KEBS Certificate of Conformity
- ✓ Import License (if applicable)
4. Typical Clearance Timeline
Standard Goods: 24-48 hours (with complete documentation)
High-Risk Goods: 3-5 days (requires physical inspection)
Fast-Track (AEO Status): 6-12 hours
Tariffs & Duties
EAC Common External Tariff (CET)
Kenya applies the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff:
- 0%: Raw materials, capital goods, essential medicines
- 10%: Semi-finished goods, intermediate inputs
- 25%: Finished consumer goods
- 35-100%: Sensitive goods (alcohol, tobacco, luxury items)
Additional Taxes
| Tax Type | Rate | Applied To |
|---|---|---|
| Import VAT | 16% | CIF + Duty |
| Excise Duty | Varies | Specific goods (alcohol, fuel, vehicles) |
| Import Declaration Fee (IDF) | 3.5% | CIF value (capped at 1M KES) |
| Railway Development Levy | 2% | CIF + Duty |
Duty Exemptions & Reductions
- EAC Rules of Origin: 0% duty for goods originating from EAC members (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)
- COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR): 0% duty for qualifying goods up to $500
- AfCFTA: Progressive tariff elimination (90% of goods by 2034)
- Export Processing Zones (EPZ): 100% duty/VAT exemption for EPZ-licensed manufacturers
Logistics Infrastructure
Major Ports & Gateways
- Port of Mombasa: East Africa's largest seaport. Handles 35M+ tons annually. New Berth 19-22 with JICT terminal (2.4M TEU capacity). 24-hour operations.
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): Busiest cargo airport in East Africa. 400K+ tons/year. Dedicated cargo terminal with cold storage.
- Inland Container Depot (ICD) Nairobi: Directly linked to Mombasa via SGR. Reduces Nairobi-Mombasa transit from 12 hours (road) to 4.5 hours (rail).
Transport Modes & Costs
| Route | Mode | Transit Time | Est. Cost (20ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa → Nairobi | SGR Rail | 4.5 hours | $550-650 |
| Mombasa → Nairobi | Road Truck | 10-14 hours | $750-900 |
| Mombasa → Kampala | Road Truck | 3-5 days | $2,200-2,800 |
| Nairobi → Kigali | Road Truck | 4-6 days | $2,500-3,200 |
Regulatory Authorities
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA): Tax collection, customs clearance.→ kra.go.ke
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS): Product certification, PVoC compliance.→ kebs.org
- Kenya Ports Authority (KPA): Port operations, Mombasa management.→ kpa.co.ke
- Ministry of Trade: Trade policy, export promotion, AfCFTA coordination.
Need Help with Kenya Imports/Exports?
Get instant freight quotes, customs compliance support, and end-to-end logistics.
Calculate Freight Costs →