Routes

Shipping from China to Kenya

We're a Chinese freight forwarder operating from the origin, where your goods are made and loaded. Importing directly from China brings barriers —the language, the distance, who to turn to— and our job is to make them a non-issue. Kenya, with Mombasa and the SGR railway, is the great gateway to East Africa: we handle your shipment end to end —transport, documentation and customs—, with the prices you only get by working from the origin itself.

Why work with a forwarder at origin

Better price, no middlemen

You work with the people at the port of departure in China, not a middleman in Kenya that subcontracts. Fewer links, better price.

Control from the factory

We're where your goods are made and loaded: we coordinate pickup, consolidation and shipping from the very first metre.

We handle the PVoC from origin

Many products need the PVoC (pre-export verification of conformity) certificate to enter Kenya; without it, costly destination inspections apply. We manage it from origin to avoid that.

We assist you in English

We work in writing and keep everything documented in English, the common standard in international shipping, and in Spanish when you need it. No language barrier with the origin.

Ports and gateways into Kenya

Kenya brings in almost all its sea cargo through Mombasa, the great East African gateway, which also serves several landlocked countries inland. We pick the service that connects best.

Mombasa

The largest port in East Africa and the entry gateway for Asian cargo to Kenya and the landlocked countries inland (Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan) via the Northern Corridor. The entry par excellence from China.

SGR railway (Mombasa–Nairobi)

The modern standard-gauge railway, built by China, links Mombasa with Nairobi in a few hours (versus days by road). We use it to move your cargo inland quickly and efficiently.

Lamu

A new deep-water port in the north, part of the LAPSSET corridor towards Ethiopia and South Sudan. An emerging alternative for certain flows.

Dry ports (Nairobi / Naivasha)

Inland terminals connected by the SGR, where goods can be cleared closer to their final destination in the interior of the country.

We also operate with other Kenyan points: Nairobi (airport NBO) · Mombasa (MBA) · Naivasha dry port

Transit times and transport modes

Sea · 25–35 days

The most cost-effective option. FCL (full container) or LCL (groupage) depending on your volume, to Mombasa, with services from the major Chinese ports via the Indian Ocean.

Air · 7–10 days

For urgent or high-value cargo, via Nairobi (NBO). Fast and tracked in real time.

Sea + SGR railway

For inland destinations (Nairobi, Naivasha and beyond), we combine the ship to Mombasa with the SGR railway, one of the country's great logistics advantages.

Customs and taxes when importing into Kenya

We take care of clearance. In Kenya, customs is the KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority), operating electronically (iCMS system): to import you need a PIN and an import declaration form (IDF). A distinctive and very important requirement: many products must pass the PVoC (pre-export verification of conformity) at origin; without the certificate, destination inspections apply that can cost 15% of the value. On import, duty is settled (under the East African Community common external tariff, EAC) along with 16% VAT, plus levies such as the IDF (2.5%) and the RDL (2%). We prepare the PVoC from origin and coordinate clearance with a local agent so your cargo enters without surprises.

How it works, step by step

  1. We collect at the factory in China and arrange the PVoC and paperwork.
  2. Export clearance at origin and loading via the best Chinese port.
  3. International transport (sea or air) with tracking.
  4. Import clearance in Kenya: IDF, duty, 16% VAT and levies with the KRA.
  5. Final delivery to your warehouse or address (via the SGR railway if heading inland).

Importing from China to Kenya?

Tell us what you need to move and where in Kenya. We'll give you a clear quote, with the PVoC and every cost included, and no surprises. No commitment.