About the Kenya to Ethiopia route
Road freight via Isiolo and Marsabit to the Moyale border.
The road from Nairobi through Isiolo and Marsabit to Moyale is fully paved and forms part of the Kenya–Ethiopia corridor.
Moyale has a one-stop border post. Most Ethiopian ocean imports still use Djibouti, but the Kenya route suits southern Ethiopia.
Transit times vary with cargo, documentation and border processing; we confirm them on your quote.
How transit cargo moves through Kenya
When cargo for Ethiopia arrives at the Port of Mombasa, it is declared in transit rather than cleared for use in Kenya. The transit declaration is lodged electronically, a customs bond secures the duties that would otherwise be payable, and the cargo moves under customs control — often monitored by electronic cargo tracking seals — to the border. At the border, the cargo exits Kenya and is entered into Ethiopia, where import duties and taxes are paid by the importer.
Because the process relies on matching documents at every stage, the final destination, consignee and cargo description must be consistent from the original bill of lading onwards. Changing the destination mid-journey can trigger delays and additional charges.
Transit cargo tips
- Declare the final destination from the start so cargo moves under the correct transit regime
- Make sure consignee details match the importing country’s requirements
- Allow time for border processing and weekend closures
- Keep copies of all documents with the cargo and with the receiver
Route FAQs
Can you ship to Uganda through Kenya?
Yes. Cargo can arrive at Mombasa and travel along the Northern Corridor to Uganda via Malaba or Busia.
Can you ship to Rwanda?
Yes, via the Northern Corridor through Kenya and Uganda, or via Dar es Salaam.
Can you ship to South Sudan?
Yes, via Mombasa and Uganda to Juba, subject to routing and security checks.
Can you ship to Tanzania?
Yes, via Dar es Salaam or through Kenya and the Namanga border for northern Tanzania.
Can you ship to eastern DRC?
Yes, typically via Mombasa and Uganda to towns such as Goma and Bunia.
Can you ship to Ethiopia?
Yes. Ethiopia mostly imports through Djibouti, and southern Ethiopia can be reached via Kenya and Moyale.
What is the Northern Corridor?
The main transport route from Mombasa through Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DRC.
What is transit cargo?
Cargo passing through one country to another under customs bond, without being cleared for use in the transit country.
Where is duty paid on cargo for Uganda?
In Uganda, when the transit cargo is correctly declared from the start.