Shipping to Kenya

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Ocean Freight to Kenya

Sea shipping to Kenya has increased in 2022 due to some economical reasons, which we are going to explore. Kenya has a home market of more than 54 million people and is one of East Africa’s most important economic and logistical centers, as well as a stage for multinational companies wishing to enter the country’s market. Kenya has a young, educated, and English-speaking populace.

Over the last decade, Kenya has implemented a variety of political, structural, and economic changes that have primarily supported sustained economic growth, social development, and political advancement. From 2018 through 2020, the country’s GDP increased at a rate of 5.6 percent each year on average. While it decreased by 0.1 percent in 2020, it rose by 7.5 percent in 2021.

Kenya’s GDP is expected to expand by 4.5 percent to 6.3 percent in fiscal year 2021-2022, indicating a partial recovery from COVID-19’s economic impact and accompanying mitigating measures.

Kenya’s major exports include tea, cut flowers, refined petroleum, gold, and coffee, with Uganda, Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom being the top importer.

Refined Petroleum, Palm Oil, Broadcasting Equipment, Packaged Medicaments, and Cars are Kenya’s major imports, with most of them coming from China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Import to Kenya from UAE

FCL

Mombasa From: Jebel Ali

$711 From

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Export from Kenya to UAE

FCL

Jebel Ali From: Mombasa

$230 From

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FCL

Dubai From: Mombasa

$301 From

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FCL

Abu Dhabi From: Mombasa

$653 From

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FCL

Sharjah From: Mombasa

$754 From

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FCL or LCL Sea Shipping to Kenya

FCL stands for ‘Full Container Load,’ and it refers to a container that is only used by one consignee. In international shipping, an FCL refers to a single container reserved only for the transportation of the shipper’s goods. The shipper is not required to share the container with other shippers’ cargo. This improves cargo safety and streamlines the management of ocean freight transportation.

Less than Container Load, or LCL, is used when the exporter does not need to book a full container since the goods do not require that much room. An LCL container is used for smaller shipments that need to be shipped cheaply and in a time-sensitive way.

Major Sea Ports in Kenya

Mombasa Port

The Kenya Ports Authority is in charge of administering and running Mombasa’s port. The Port of Mombasa is a gateway to East and Central Africa, located on Kenya’s central coast roughly halfway between the Port of Durban in South Africa and the main Middle East ports. Since its development under British administration in the late 1800s, it has served as the region’s international commerce hub.

The Port of Mombasa is Kenya’s largest seaport, serving the country’s heart by exporting important agricultural goods and strengthening the country’s economy. The port serves some African countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Southern Sudan, Rwanda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, in addition to Kenya itself. Trucks and trains offer inland transportation, with dedicated rail-trailer services running from the port to inland container facilities.

The major port of Mombasa has 19 berths, a grain terminal, two oil terminals, six container berths, and 12 general cargo berths. This port has experienced remarkable growth. The entry canal was dredged and the basin was widened, as well as the port equipment. As a result, the port can now handle larger ships. It is ranked 117th among the top container ports in the world, and 5th in the African area.

Europe

Asia

North America

South America

Africa

Oceania

Shipping cargo: Kenya <--> UAE

Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have enjoyed strong trade relations for many years. The UAE is one of Kenya‘s leading trading partners, with bilateral trade totaling US$3.4 billion in 2016. The volume of trade between the two countries has been growing steadily over the past decade, reaching US$2.7 billion in 2010 before more than doubling to US$5.8 billion by 2015.

The UAE is a major investor in Kenya, with investments totaling US$1 billion as of 2015. Key areas of investment include infrastructure, energy, construction and real estate development. Dubai–based port operator DP World operates Mombasa‘s second container terminal under a 30–year concession agreement signed in 2013 worth an estimated $700 million. The UAE has also been a key contributor to Kenya‘s oil and gas exploration sector.

Kenya is an important market for UAE exports, with the value of goods exported totaling US$1.6 billion in 2016. The majority of these exports are manufactured products, including aluminum, steel and chemicals. Kenya is also a significant destination for Emirati tourists, with close to 90,000 visitors from the UAE recorded in 2016.

Market Update 2022

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya will continue to deepen their economic ties through increased trade between the two countries. The UAE is one of Kenya‘s top trading partners, and bilateral trade is expected to grow even further in the coming years. This growth will be fueled by continued investment from the UAE in Kenyan infrastructure and businesses, as well as by a growing number of Emirati tourists visiting Kenya. Both countries are committed to increasing trade and investment between them, which will create new opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries. The UAE-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which came into effect in 2019, has already made it easier for Kenyan exports to enter the Emirati market. And with continued political stability and economic reform in Kenya, this partnership is only likely to grow stronger over time.

Banned Products

Banned Products:

1) Firearms and ammunition – These items are banned due to their potential contribution to crime and violence in Kenya. Their importation would also be contrary to Kenya‘s obligations under various international arms control agreements.

2) used clothing and footwear – These items are often donated or sold at very low prices, which harms local businesses that cannot compete with these prices. In addition, used clothing and footwear can pose a health risk due to possible contagions that could be present in them.

3) Soil – Soil is typically not allowed to be imported into Kenya because it can contain harmful pests and diseases that could potentially devastate local crops and agriculture.

Documents & Customs Clearance

Cargo customs clearance is the process of declaring and documenting imported or exported goods for compliance with Customs regulations. In Kenya, this process is managed by the Department of Customs & Excise, which falls under the umbrella of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Goods entering or leaving Kenya must be declared to KRA through an online system called eCDS (Electronic Cargo Declaration System). The declarant (importer/exporter) is responsible for ensuring that all information submitted to eCDS is accurate and complete. Once goods are cleared by KRA, they may be released from the port for delivery to their final destination.

When importing goods into Kenya, there are a number of documents that must be submitted in order to obtain clearance from Customs. These include the following:
–An import declaration form (IDF)
–A letter of credit or bank guarantee
–A bill of lading or airway bill
–An invoice detailing the value of the goods being imported
–Certificate of origin (if applicable) –Insurance policy (if applicable)

Rules & Regulations

When shipping to Kenya, there are a few rules and regulations that must be followed in order to ensure a smooth process. All shipments must be accompanied by detailed packing lists and commercial invoices in English. The consignee‘s name, address, and telephone number must be clearly stated on all documentation. It is also important to note that all shipments are subject to inspection upon arrival in Kenya.

Kenyan customs regulations state that all dutiable goods must be declared and cleared through customs before they can be released for delivery. All shipments are subject to import duty, value–added tax (VAT), and excise tax, unless otherwise stated in a valid commercial invoice or packing list. The VAT rate is currently 16% and the excise tax rate is 10%.