Whether you are an expatriate relocating to Nairobi or a Kenyan coming home, shipping belongings means choosing a mover, getting through customs at Mombasa or JKIA, and knowing what you will pay duty on.

Sea or air

  • Sea freight - cheapest for furniture and large volumes. A container arrives at Mombasa and is trucked or railed to Nairobi. Allow two to three months from packing to delivery.
  • Air freight - fast and expensive, for a few boxes you need soon. It arrives at JKIA.
  • Excess baggage - for small moves, often the simplest option.

Many people send a small air shipment and a larger sea shipment.

Choosing an international mover

  • Get several quotes after a survey of your home, in person or by video.
  • Ask what is included - packing, shipping, insurance, customs clearance, port charges, delivery and unpacking in Nairobi. “Door to door” should include all of these.
  • Check their Kenyan agent, who handles clearance and delivery.
  • Insure the shipment at replacement value.
  • Membership of international moving associations is a useful sign of a reputable mover.

Customs clearance

Everything imported is cleared by KRA customs, usually through a licensed clearing agent (your mover’s agent). You will need:

  • Your passport and immigration status - a work permit, pass, or proof of return.
  • A detailed inventory of the shipment.
  • The bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air).
  • Your KRA PIN.

Be present or reachable during clearance. Customs may inspect the shipment.

Duty

  • Expatriates on work permits may be able to import used household goods and personal effects free of duty, depending on their status. Ask your mover’s agent and KRA before shipping.
  • New items and large quantities are usually taxed.
  • Cars are taxed separately. See Importing a car to Kenya.

Kenyans returning home

KRA allows returning residents to bring household goods and personal effects that were in use abroad, and one car, free of duty, if they meet the conditions. For the car:

  • You must have owned and used it abroad for at least twelve months.
  • It must be no more than 8 years old.
  • It must arrive within 90 days of your return (up to 360 days with the Commissioner’s approval).
  • You must not have used the exemption in the last four years.

You need your passport with entry and exit stamps, evidence you lived abroad (visas or permits), the bill of lading and invoices. Check the full rules on KRA’s returning residents page before you ship.

Things not to ship

  • Plastic carrier bags - banned in Kenya.
  • Weapons and ammunition, without permits.
  • Some plants, seeds and foods, which need permits.
  • Pets travel under separate rules. See Pets in Nairobi.

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