About the USA to Kenya route
Our flagship lane: air freight to Nairobi JKIA and ocean freight to Mombasa, with delivery across Kenya.
Ocean freight from US East Coast and Gulf ports usually reaches Mombasa via transhipment hubs in Europe, the Mediterranean or the Middle East. Air freight connects from major US airports to Nairobi JKIA via European, Middle Eastern or African hubs.
Once in Kenya, containers can clear in Mombasa or travel by Standard Gauge Railway to the Nairobi or Naivasha Inland Container Depots, before final delivery by road.
Transit times vary with cargo, documentation and border processing; we confirm them on your quote.
How shipping from the USA to Kenya works
- 01
Request a quote
Share the pickup ZIP code, the delivery town in Kenya, a list of items with approximate sizes and weights, and your deadline. We reply with an itemised quote that shows freight, handling and estimated duties separately.
- 02
Pickup and export preparation
We collect from your home, business or supplier, check the commercial invoice and packing list, and deliver the cargo to the departure airport or port. Correct paperwork before departure is the single biggest factor in a smooth clearance in Kenya.
- 03
Air or ocean transit
Air cargo flies to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Ocean cargo sails to the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s largest seaport. We monitor the shipment and keep you updated.
- 04
Customs clearance in Kenya
A licensed customs agent lodges the import declaration, duties and taxes are assessed by the Kenya Revenue Authority, and the cargo is released. Containers can clear in Mombasa or travel by Standard Gauge Railway to the Nairobi or Naivasha Inland Container Depots.
- 05
Delivery to Kenya
Final delivery by road to the receiver’s address, with confirmation once the goods are handed over.
Air freight vs sea freight to Kenya
| Air freight | Sea freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical door-to-door time | About 5–10 days | About 4–7 weeks |
| Arrival point | JKIA, Nairobi | Port of Mombasa (and Nairobi/Naivasha ICDs by rail) |
| How it is priced | Per kg of chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater) | Per cubic metre (LCL) or per 20ft/40ft container (FCL) |
| Best for | Urgent, light, compact and high-value goods | Heavy, bulky and high-volume cargo, vehicles and household moves |
| Watch out for | Batteries, aerosols and dangerous goods are restricted | Port storage charges if documents are not ready on arrival |
Documents you will need
Requirements depend on what you ship, but most consignments to Kenya need the following:
- Commercial invoice — description and value of every item
- Packing list — itemised contents, weights and dimensions
- Bill of lading or air waybill — issued for the main transport leg
- Importer’s KRA PIN — the receiver’s Kenya Revenue Authority PIN
- Certificate of Conformity — for goods covered by the KEBS PVoC programme
- ID / passport copy — of the shipper and receiver
Regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals, vehicles, some electronics) may need extra approvals from the relevant Kenyan agency. Ask us before you buy or ship. See our guide: documents required to import goods into Kenya.