Will I have to pay import duties on gifts in Kenya?

Expert Info

on 31 May 2018

My friend needs a laptop to continue her studies at University in Nairobi. Because she has been a steady "pen-pal", I wanted to send her a laptop from here in the USA to Nairobi. As it is a gift and not commerce, will she be charged import fees?

Daniela de Castro on 15 Jun 2018 - 09:00

Hi Christophe

Whether or not you will have to pay import duties will largely depend on the value of the laptop. Just to be safe, I would budget for the import fees. I would also advise asking the shipping company you plan to use, as they are likely to have the most up to date information on import duties.

Alternatively, have a look at our guides to shipping and taxes in Kenya for some more background information.

-Daniela

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