Shipping from the UK to Kenya

Shipping from the United Kingdom to Kenya

We handle commercial cargo, personal effects and vehicles from the UK to Kenya, by air through Heathrow and by sea through Felixstowe and Southampton.

Sea freight

Ocean transit from UK ports to Mombasa is typically 30–40 days, usually transshipping in Europe or the Middle East. Sea suits household goods, machinery, vehicles and any consignment where cost matters more than speed. We offer both FCL and LCL.

Air freight

London to Nairobi is well served with daily capacity. Cargo typically moves in 3–6 days door to door. Air is the right choice for documents, samples, spare parts, pharmaceuticals and anything urgent.

Personal effects and relocation

Kenyans returning home and expatriates relocating both use this route heavily. Personal effects may qualify for concessionary treatment where the owner is genuinely changing residence and the goods have been owned and used for a qualifying period. The rules are specific and the paperwork matters — talk to us before you pack, because the concession is far harder to claim retrospectively.

We provide a detailed packing list template, advise on what should and should not be shipped, and handle clearance at the Kenyan end.

Vehicles

UK vehicles are right-hand drive, which suits the Kenyan market. The same rules apply as for any import: no more than eight years from first registration, and a pre-shipment inspection is required. See our guide on importing a vehicle for how duty is assessed — the same valuation approach applies regardless of origin.

One point specific to the UK: because vehicles are frequently bought at auction or privately rather than from an established exporter, the export documentation is often less complete than a Japanese trade purchase would provide. Confirm you can obtain the V5C, a clear invoice and the inspection certificate before you pay.

Commercial cargo

We handle machinery, spare parts, medical and laboratory equipment, printing and packaging plant, and general trade goods. Second-hand industrial equipment is a substantial UK–Kenya trade, and it carries its own considerations: accurate valuation, correct tariff classification, and confirmation that the equipment is not subject to restriction. Get the classification right at the outset — a misclassified machine either overpays duty you will struggle to recover or triggers a post-clearance audit later.

Documents you will need

• Commercial invoice, or a valuation and detailed inventory for personal effects
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Import Declaration Form
• Certificate of Conformity for regulated goods under the PVoC programme
• Your KRA PIN certificate
• For personal effects: passport, evidence of residence abroad and of the change of residence

A note on cost

Ocean freight from the UK is more expensive per cubic metre than from Asia, because the volumes on the lane are smaller. That makes consolidation more valuable, not less. If you are shipping household goods, be realistic about what is worth the freight — furniture that can be replaced locally for less than it costs to ship is a common and avoidable expense. We will give you an honest view rather than simply quoting the volume you present.