Shipping and Removals in Kenya

Shipping to Kenya by air, sea or land can be a long and expensive process. There are several important factors to consider when shipping to Kenya. 

It may be cheaper and more efficient to check smaller items as excess luggage, as certain concessions may be granted, though prices differ from airline to airline. Keep in mind that excess baggage fees can be hefty, making dedicated shipping services a smarter choice for larger amounts of luggage or household goods.

If you're looking for accommodation in Kenya, you may prefer to find a property that is already fully furnished rather than go through the hassle of shipping and removals. Furnished apartments offer an easier moving process and savings on furniture purchases and are great for short-term stays. Typically, furnished properties can command a premium of 10 to 20 percent over unfurnished ones.

Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, have lower rent, more personalisation options, and long-term cost savings, but they require higher upfront costs for furniture and a more complicated moving process. 

Shipping and duty costs for Kenya sometimes make it cheaper for you to buy items after arriving. Most furniture, household goods and electronics are inexpensive and readily available. Sea freight is generally cheaper but slower than air freight. Consider additional costs such as customs duties, insurance and local delivery charges.

If you opt for shipping and removals to Kenya, be aware of customs regulations. We recommend enlisting the services of a professional moving or relocation company. When choosing a moving company, consider factors such as reputation, services offered, insurance coverage and customer reviews. 

Customs and import duties in Kenya

All items imported into Kenya, whether by airline freight or shipping, must be cleared through KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) customs officials on arrival, and the appropriate import taxes must be paid. Customs duties are assessed based on the value of the item, determined by customs officials.

Although all goods are subject to customs duty, passengers fall into different 'passenger categories', which determine the concessions they are entitled to. For example, Category A passengers, including Kenyan residents who have resided outside of Kenya for an extended time, may be entitled to duty-free imports or reduced taxes on clothing, personal and household items and one motor vehicle. Tourists and visitors staying in Kenya for up to three months (Category B) also have specific regulations, as do other Kenyan residents (Category C).

For most passengers, there is a general concession for duty-free items up to a certain value for household goods and items used for personal use, although this amount can change, so checking with KRA for the latest information is advisable. Common items that must be declared include new items acquired outside Kenya valued over the concession limit, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products exceeding duty-free limits and any items intended for sale or disposal.

Some items face restrictions or are prohibited altogether. Currency exceeding a certain amount must be declared at the port of entry. Restricted items include animal traps capable of killing or capturing game animals, drones and motor vehicles older than eight years. Left-hand drive vehicles face specific import restrictions. 

Additionally, in a move towards environmental protection, plastic bags have been banned in Kenya. You must note this if you wish to import products into Kenya or are visiting the country. Fines and penalties for importing or using plastic bags are strictly enforced.

The list of both restricted and prohibited items extends further and is subject to change. We recommend hiring a relocation company familiar with the latest regulations and equipped with the necessary technology and resources to ensure a swift and seamless process. 

Useful links

• Kenya Revenue Authority

Shipping pets to Kenya

Shipping pets to Kenya involves several important steps, documentation and adherence to specific regulations. Kenya does not quarantine dogs and cats moving with their owners, provided that all stipulated conditions regarding required documentation, vaccination and microchipping are met. Generally, pets must accompany you on board. Pets must also have the relevant pet passport as identification and be accompanied by a health certificate from an authorised vet.

To ship pets to Kenya, the following documentation is required:

• Pet Import Permit: Issued by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Kenya, taking about 2 to 3 working days to process and valid for 90 days for one consignment.
• Health Certificate: A certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, completed no more than five days before departure.
• Vaccination Records: Up-to-date vaccination records, including rabies vaccination.
• Microchip Certificate: Pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
• Airline Captain Affidavit: A statement from the airline captain confirming the pet was on a direct flight to Kenya.

The necessary vaccinations include:

• Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated for rabies less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before entering Kenya. If vaccinated less than six months prior, a certificate from a Government Veterinary Officer stating no rabies cases within 30 miles (48 km) of the pet's origin is required.
• Parasite Treatment: Pets must be treated for internal and external parasites within 48 hours before the flight.

A pet passport, often required for international travel, includes the pet's vaccination records, health certificates and microchip information. Pet owners can obtain this from their veterinarian, who will ensure all necessary vaccinations and treatments are documented.