How to Ship Goods From China to Kenya: Full Logistics Breakdown

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL)

Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for shipping from China to Kenya. The primary gateway is Mombasa Port — Kenya's largest and most important commercial port, handling the majority of containerized imports. Direct services and transshipment via Dubai (Jebel Ali) are available.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Best for cargo >15 CBM. Lower cost per unit, higher security.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Best for cargo 2‑15 CBM. Pay only for the space you use.
• Service end: Mombasa Port. Consignee arranges customs clearance and final delivery.
• Transit time: 25‑35 days from major Chinese ports via direct or transshipment routes.

Air Cargo to Kenya (NBO)

Air freight is suitable for high‑value electronics, pharmaceuticals, samples, urgent parts. Flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi — Kenya's main air cargo gateway.

• Transit time: 5‑8 business days
• Service end: NBO Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup.
• Best for: Urgent spare parts, medical supplies, electronics, high‑value samples
• Note: Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight.

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, and urgent shipments, express courier offers the fastest delivery to any address in Kenya, subject to carrier service coverage.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 2‑5 days door‑to‑door (estimates, not guaranteed)
• Service end: Door‑to‑door delivery to consignee's address (if within carrier coverage)
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments

Express courier service availability depends on the destination. Please contact us to confirm service availability for your specific destination. Services are provided by third-party carriers and subject to their terms. Transit times are estimates, not guaranteed.

Mombasa — Kenya's Main Port

Mombasa Port is Kenya's largest and busiest commercial port, located on the Indian Ocean. It serves as the main gateway for Kenya and neighboring landlocked countries (Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan). It has modern container terminals and handles the majority of East African maritime trade.

• Location: Mombasa, coastal Kenya
• Key advantage: Kenya's main gateway, well‑connected to East Africa
• Alternative ports: Lamu (new port under development)
• Transshipment hubs: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Salalah (Oman)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is Kenya's main international airport and the country's primary air cargo gateway, with connections to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

• Location: Nairobi, central Kenya
• Key advantage: Kenya's main international gateway
• Major airlines: Kenya Airways Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Turkish Cargo, Cargolux
• Transit time: 5‑8 days from China with one or two transshipments

Key Regulatory & Market Changes

• Customs digitalization: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has enhanced its electronic clearance system (iCMS) for faster processing.
• EAC Common External Tariff: Kenya applies the East African Community (EAC) CET, with duty rates varying by product category.
• Port modernization: Mombasa Port is undergoing upgrades to increase container capacity.
• Lamu Port: New port development to ease congestion in Mombasa.

FCL & LCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai → Mombasa): $2,400 – $4,000
• 20GP (Shenzhen → Mombasa): $2,200 – $3,800
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shanghai → Mombasa): $3,800 – $6,500
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shenzhen → Mombasa): $3,500 – $6,000
• LCL (per CBM): Please contact for specific rates
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

Air Freight & Express Pricing

• Air Freight (≥45 kg): Approximately $3.50 – $8 per kg
• Express Courier: $12 – $20 per kg
• Note: Air freight and express rates are calculated based on volumetric weight.
• Express channels: Suitable for samples and urgent small shipments

Import Duties & Taxes

Kenya applies the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff. Customs clearance is managed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) through the iCMS electronic system.

• Import Duties: EAC CET — typically 0‑25% (most goods 10‑25%)
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% on most imported goods
• Processing Time: Typically 2‑7 days for customs clearance
• iCMS: Electronic declaration system

Required Documents

You will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Packing List — Inventory of each container's contents
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates (if applicable)
• Importer's Registration Number (PIN) — Required for customs clearance
• Health Certificate / Phytosanitary Certificate — For food, plants, and agricultural products
• Dangerous Goods Declaration — For DG shipments

Transport from Port to Destination

Kenya has a well‑developed road network connecting Mombasa to Nairobi and other major cities. The Mombasa‑Nairobi highway and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) provide efficient inland transport.

• Key destinations: Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa
• Transport modes: Truck (primary), Rail (SGR), and intermodal solutions
• Recommendation: Engage a reputable, licensed customs broker with local transport partners

Kenya's Trade Landscape

Kenya is East Africa's largest economy and a major trading partner for China. Chinese exports include machinery, electronics, vehicles, textiles, and consumer goods. Kenya exports tea, coffee, horticulture, and minerals.

• Key Chinese Exports: Machinery, electronics, vehicles, textiles, consumer goods, food
• Key Kenyan Exports to China: Tea, coffee, horticulture, minerals
• Major Shipping Lines: MSC, Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming
• Trade routes: Direct services and transshipment via Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Salalah