Kenya Revenue Authority requires a detailed packing list with declared values. Electronics attract import duties. Sea freight via Mombasa takes 6-8 weeks. These sea transit times are approximate — the actual time depends on when your LCL container finishes loading and consolidating, the vessel’s sailing date and route, any transhipment hub before the final destination, and customs clearance, so please allow a week or two either side. Air freight to Nairobi (NBO) or Mombasa (MBA) takes 4-9 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers.
✈ Air freight to Kenya: 4-9 working days from UK door collection • ⚓ Sea freight: 6-8 weeks via Mombasa • Price confirmed before we collect • Freephone 0800 096 38 39
These items are not automatically refused but face restrictions, duties, inspections or require specific documentation. Check before you pack.
Attract import duties. Televisions and appliances subject to KEBS standards verification.
Require Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) approval. Controlled substances heavily restricted.
Require phytosanitary certificate from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
Many processed food items require Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) approval.
Import and export of Kenyan Shillings restricted. Foreign currency above $10,000 declared.
Require specific approval from National Police Service. Not accepted on personal effects.
Subject to duties. Commercial quantities require import licence.
Subject to duties and restrictions under Kenya Customs regulations.
The following items are prohibited on all services — air freight, sea freight and door-to-door (subject to your destination). Do not pack them. Items found during inspection will be confiscated, and you may face penalties.
Customs clearance at destination is your responsibility as sender — who must also be the receiver for personal effects classification. Have these documents ready before we collect.
If customs or inspection issues arise at the destination — including holds, queries or inspections — you must respond promptly. Failure to respond, or submission of incorrect documentation, will result in storage charges accumulating at the destination warehouse at your cost.
You are liable for storage, inspection fees and any duties that arise where:
If you are unsure about any item, its declared value, or the documentation required for your destination — call us before you pack. We would rather spend ten minutes on the phone with you than have your shipment held at customs for two weeks while fees accumulate.
After more than two decades on this route, we know exactly what causes shipments to be held, delayed or refused at Kenya customs. These are the practical tips that make the difference.
Plastic bags are completely banned in Kenya since 2017 — do not use plastic bags as packaging.
Nairobi is our main air freight hub. Mombasa is the sea freight arrival port.
Electronics will attract duties — declare accurate values and model numbers.
Allow extra clearance time during peak holiday periods.
Sea freight via Mombasa takes 6-8 weeks — good option for non-time-sensitive large shipments.
“We collect your luggage ourselves. We check it is properly packed, wrapped and secured before it leaves your door. After 28 years we know what arrives safely and what doesn’t. That happens before the bag is in the air — not after.”
Your UK shipping quote does not include the following destination charges. These are levied by governing bodies and government agencies at the arrival country and are payable by you directly at destination:
These charges are mandatory, set by the destination country’s governing bodies, and outside our control. We will advise you of known destination charges for your route at the time of booking so you can budget accordingly. If you have questions about what to expect at your destination, call us on 0800 096 38 39 before you book.