Shipping to Kenya
from the UK
FCL container shipping and air freight from the UK to Kenya. Mombasa Port and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport — export documentation, PVoC coordination, and KRA customs clearance end-to-end.
£1,700
FCL from
20ft container to Mombasa
21–25
Transit days
UK ports → Mombasa
5–7
Air freight days
LHR → Nairobi (NBO)
100%
KRA compliant
Kenya Revenue Authority
East Africa's gateway. A growing freight corridor.
Kenya is East Africa's commercial hub and the primary gateway for landlocked neighbours Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DRC. Mombasa Port handles the majority of containerised imports from the UK, with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) providing fast onward connection to Nairobi's Inland Container Depot at Naivasha.
Freight demand on the UK-Kenya corridor is driven by commercial importers, NGOs and development organisations procuring equipment and supplies, institutions sourcing UK-manufactured technology and lab materials, and diaspora shippers sending goods home.
Ellcworth Express manages the complete journey: UK collection or depot drop-off, export documentation, PVoC coordination where required, sea or air freight booking, KRA customs clearance, and Mombasa-to-door delivery through our local agent network.
Three freight modes to Kenya.
FCL — Full Container Load
Dedicated containers from UK ports to Mombasa — East Africa's largest port and the principal gateway for landlocked East African countries. Suited to commercial stock, industrial equipment, and institutional cargo.
LCL — Groupage
Share container space with other shippers moving cargo to Mombasa. Ideal when your cargo does not justify a full container. We consolidate at our UK depot under a single bill of lading.
Air Freight
Direct to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi. Door-to-airport and airport-to-airport options. Fastest route for urgent cargo, spare parts, pharmaceuticals, and time-critical consignments.
How Kenya customs clearance works.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) processes all imports through the iCMS platform. The IDF and PVoC requirements must be in place before your cargo leaves the UK.
Pre-Arrival Declaration (IDF)
Imports into Kenya require an Import Declaration Form (IDF) lodged with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) through the iCMS platform before the cargo arrives. The IDF triggers advance risk assessment and duty calculation. Ellcworth works with your Kenyan consignee or agent to ensure the IDF is lodged correctly before the vessel sails.
KEBS Pre-Export Verification (PVoC)
Kenya operates a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme through KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards). Regulated products — electronics, machinery, building materials, food — must be inspected and certified before leaving the UK. We identify PVoC requirements at the quoting stage.
KRA Customs Assessment
KRA assesses import duty based on the CIF value using the applicable HS tariff rate. Kenya applies the EAC Common External Tariff — typically 0%, 10%, or 25% depending on product category. Our documentation is prepared to the standard required for smooth KRA processing at Mombasa.
Duty Payment & Release
Once assessed, import duty is paid through the KRA e-payment portal. A release order is issued authorising removal from port. Our Mombasa-based partners manage this step and confirm when your cargo is cleared and ready for collection or onward delivery to Nairobi or upcountry.
Common questions answered.
Shipping to Kenya from the UK.
How long does shipping from the UK to Kenya take?
By sea, expect 21–25 days from UK ports to Mombasa Port. Add 5–10 working days for KRA customs clearance. Air freight to Nairobi (NBO) typically takes 5–7 days door-to-door.
What is the PVoC certificate and do I need one?
Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) is required for regulated product categories entering Kenya — electronics, machinery, building materials, food products, and others. The product must be inspected by a KEBS-appointed agent in the UK before shipment. We identify whether your cargo requires PVoC at the quoting stage.
What documents are required for shipping to Kenya?
You will need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin, and Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the Kenyan consignee. PVoC-regulated goods also need a Certificate of Conformity. We provide a full checklist when you book.
How is import duty calculated in Kenya?
KRA calculates duty on CIF value using the East African Community Common External Tariff. Rates are typically 0% (raw materials), 10% (intermediate goods), or 25% (finished goods). We provide a duty estimate before you commit.
Do you handle delivery from Mombasa to Nairobi or beyond?
Yes. Our Mombasa-based partners provide port-to-door delivery and can arrange onward haulage to Nairobi, Kisumu, and other Kenyan cities via the SGR rail link or road.
How do I get a quote?
Use our online quote form or contact us via WhatsApp or email. For FCL or LCL we need cargo dimensions and weight. Quotes are returned within 24 hours.
Ready to ship to Kenya?
FCL from £1,700 (20ft). Air freight quoted per kg. Full KRA customs clearance coordination. Quote returned within 24 hours.