As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, businesses seek reliable and efficient shipping solutions to transport goods across borders. One of the most popular trade routes is between China and Kenya, where businesses import various electronics, machines and clothing products.

China is Kenya’s largest trading partner and source of imports.

When shipping goods from China to Kenya, working with a reliable and trustworthy cargo services provider is essential. CFC is a leading freight agent specializing in safely and quickly delivering goods from China to Kenya. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to excellence, CFC is the ideal partner for businesses and individuals looking to transport goods across borders.

Kenya Customs

Kenya is a member of the East African Community (EAC), which includes Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya applies tariffs based on the international harmonized system of product classification and applies duties and tariffs of the EAC Common External Tariff. Customs duties can be levied at rates between 0% and 100%, with an average of 25%.

Imports into Kenya are subject to a standard VAT rate of 16%, levied on the sum of the CIF value, duty, and other applicable taxes. An import declaration fee of 3.5% and railway development levy of 2%.

To import any commodity into Kenya, an importer will have to enlist the services of a clearing agent who will process the import documentation through the Kenyan Customs electronically on their Simba 2005 system and clear the goods on behalf of the client.

Kenya has a pre-shipment inspection requirement (the Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity, or PVoC) for exports destined to Kenya. Exports to Kenya must also obtain an ISM code, which is mandatory for all imported products sold in Kenya to help local consumers identify imported products that have been certified by KEBS.

Sea Freight from China to Kenya

Sea transport is a popular shipping mode for businesses importing large goods from China to Kenya. CFC’s sea transport solutions offer efficient and reliable shipping services, with partnerships with leading shipping lines.

Our service provides cost-effective options including Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments for smaller loads. Utilize sea shipping for bulkier goods, benefitting from our weekly sea freight services tailored to efficiently transport larger items in full container from China to Kenya. CFC also provides door-to-door delivery services, including customs clearance and documentation services.

Top Container Ports in Kenya

The Port of Mombasa in Kenya is the largest port in East and Central Africa and the main transit port for the import and export of goods in the landlocked countries of East and Central Africa. Mombasa has direct shipping routes to more than 80 ports in the world, and radiates inland to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Congo (Kinshasa), northern Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and other regions.

Other major ports in Kenya are:

• Port of Lamu
• Port of Kisumu
• Port of Shimoni
• Inland container depots: Nairobi, Naivasha and Eldoret

Sea Freight Cost from China to Kenya

The cost of ocean shipping cargo to Kenya from China depends on factors such as:

• The type of goods you are shipping
• Your chosen mode of shipment (FCL or LCL)
• The weight and volume of your cargo
• The measure dimensions of your cargo
• The distance between the seller in China and the buyer in Kenya
• Specific movement types, i.e. door-to-door, port-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-port

For instance, the port-to-port ocean container rate from FOB Shanghai China to Mombasa Kenya is $2,500 for 1x40HC.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Kenya

FCL sea freight can take between 22-25 days, while LCL sea freight takes 30-35 days.

Air Freight from China to Kenya

CFC’s air transport solutions provide fast and reliable shipping services from China to Kenya. Air transport is ideal for businesses that require speedy and time-sensitive shipments.

Our partnership with top airlines, including Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, ensures your cargo reaches destinations like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Dar es Salaam and beyond.

Top Airports in Kenya

Kenya has four international airports:

• Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – NBO
• Mombasa Moi International Airport – MBA
• Eldoret International Airport – EDL
• Kisumu International Airport – KIS

Nairobi international airport is Kenyan largest aviation facility and the busiest airport in East Africa. It is the hub for Kenya Airways, Jambojet, as well as Fly540 and African Express Airways. The airport boasts of over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo airlines, has scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries.

Air Freight Cost from China to Kenya

More airlines offer services for air freight to Nairobi, Kenya than to any other airport in the region. With more airlines competing for cargo the rates are very competitive. There are direct passenger services, deferred services and freighter services, so whether you are looking for the cheapest or quickest service or have oversized cargo, we have the service and the air freight rates to suit your requirements.

CFC’s airport-to-airport daily service offers seamless shipping from China to Kenya, using efficient air transportation at the best rates. Our expertise in air freight logistics ensures reliable and timely shipments, connecting China to your destination in Kenya.

Air rate to Kenya is from as little as $5.99 per Kg and a $0 handling charge.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Kenya

Air freight to Nairobi typically takes 5 to 8 days, while express shipping can reduce this to 3 to 5 days.

Working with CFC

Shipping goods from China to Kenya can be complex and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. CFC’s air transport solutions offer expedited delivery options, while its sea transport services provide cost-effective solutions for larger shipments.

CFC can handle all your shipping needs from any city in China to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Malindi, or any city in Kenya.

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