⚡ Quick Answer: What Does It Cost and How Long Does Container Shipping to Kenya Take?
Shipping a 20ft container from the USA to Kenya costs approximately $3,000–$5,000, while a 40ft or 40ft High Cube ranges between $4,500–$7,000. Ocean transit typically takes 25–45 days depending on the U.S. departure coast. Most commercial freight enters via the Port of Mombasa. Note: Vehicle imports must comply with Kenya’s 8-year age restriction and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) rules.
USA → KENYA COMMERCIAL CONTAINER SHIPPING: FCL, LCL, 20FT, 40FT & HIGH CUBE
AllTransportDepot Inc. coordinates door-to-port and warehouse-to-port container exports from any U.S. location to Kenya. As an FMC-licensed NVOCC, we manage nationwide ground pickup, warehouse loading, AES export filings, ocean booking, and Port of Mombasa arrival logistics.
FMC Licensed NVOCC #021693 • Nationwide U.S. Pickup • Commercial & Project Cargo
Container Shipping Calculator
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Container Shipping Services to Kenya
Full Container Load (FCL)
Exclusive use of 20ft, 40ft, or High Cube containers for commercial inventory, machinery, household goods, or mixed vehicle loads.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Cost-effective shared container consolidation for smaller commercial cargo or boxed goods routed directly to Kenya.
Specialized & Project Equipment
Flat-rack, open-top, and temperature-controlled reefer containers for oversized machinery, heavy equipment, and sensitive cargo.
20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube Comparison
Select the container equipment size that best fits your cargo volume and payload requirements:
| Container Size | Internal Volume | Max Payload | Ideal Cargo Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | ~1,172 cu. ft. (33 CBM) | ~47,800 lbs (21,680 kg) | Heavy machinery, dense palletized goods, 1 vehicle + cargo. |
| 40ft Standard | ~2,390 cu. ft. (67 CBM) | ~58,800 lbs (26,670 kg) | Large commercial shipments, household relocations, 2 SUVs. |
| 40ft High Cube | ~2,694 cu. ft. (76 CBM) | ~63,000 lbs (28,570 kg) | Overheight commercial equipment, bulky furniture, 2–3 vehicles. |
Eligible Cargo for USA to Kenya Containers
- Commercial inventory and wholesale goods
- Industrial construction machinery and spare parts
- Generators, engines, and heavy equipment
- Household goods, personal effects, and furniture
- Eligible motor vehicles (subject to Kenya age/RHD limits)
- Crated, palletized, and boxed commercial freight
- Agricultural tools and solar equipment
Nationwide U.S. Pickup and Loading Solutions
Professional Warehouse Loading
- Inland transport from suppliers, auctions, businesses, or residences
- Warehouse receiving, professional blocking, bracing, and weight distribution
- Vehicle loading with custom ramps and tire strapping
- Container sealing, export inspection, and dispatch to U.S. port
Client-Managed On-Site Loading
- Container delivered via chassis directly to your facility or warehouse
- Client provides labor, forklift, or ramp equipment for loading
- Live-load option (typically 2 hours free) or dropped-container option
- Shipper assumes responsibility for securing cargo according to maritime standards
How Container Shipping to Kenya Works
1. Request Quote & Booking
Provide cargo details, origin ZIP code, dimensions, and preferred container size for a customized rate.
2. Confirm Import Compliance
Verify import eligibility with your Kenyan clearing agent (including HS codes, IDF status, and vehicle rules).
3. Dispatch & Loading
We pick up cargo nationwide or deliver a container to your facility for client loading.
4. U.S. Export Clearance
Our team files required AES/EEI documentation and completes carrier shipping instructions.
5. Ocean Transit
Your container sails from the U.S. departure terminal across major shipping lanes to East Africa.
6. Customs Clearance & Port Release
Your appointed clearing agent pays local KRA duties, completes IDF inspection, and secures release at Mombasa.
Common U.S. Departure Gateways
We route containers based on cargo origin, equipment availability, and ocean carrier rotation. Major departure points include New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Houston, Los Angeles, and Long Beach.
Port of Mombasa — Kenya’s Maritime Gateway
The Port of Mombasa handles nearly all container imports into Kenya and serves as the gateway for landlocked neighbors like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Featuring 22 berths and two specialized container terminals, Mombasa maintains an annual throughput exceeding 2.3 million TEUs.
Mombasa Container Terminals
Primary destination for FCL and LCL ocean freight, commercial goods, personal effects, and containerized vehicles.
Port of Lamu
Considered specifically for northern Kenya infrastructural routes or project cargo operations.
Container Transit Times & Estimated Costs
Rates and transit windows vary by U.S. origin coast, carrier line, and seasonal volume:
| U.S. Departure Region | Est. Ocean Transit | 20ft Container Est. | 40ft / HC Container Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. East Coast (NY, Savannah) | 25 – 35 Days | $3,000 – $4,200 | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| U.S. Gulf Coast (Houston) | 30 – 40 Days | $3,400 – $4,600 | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| U.S. West Coast (LA, Oakland) | 35 – 45 Days | $3,800 – $5,000 | $5,500 – $7,000 |
*Rates reflect ocean port-to-port estimates and exclude inland U.S. transport, local terminal handling fees, customs duties, and destination taxes.
Kenya Customs, Import Duties & Vehicle Restrictions
All imports entering Kenya must comply with regulations enforced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Strict Vehicle Import Requirements
- 8-Year Age Limit Rule: Under KS 1515:2000, Kenya prohibits the import of passenger vehicles older than 8 years from the year of manufacture.
- Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Mandate: Only RHD vehicles are allowed for import into Kenya (left-hand drive vehicles are banned with very rare exceptions for specialized machinery).
- Pre-Export Inspection (PVoC): Motor vehicles and regulated cargo must undergo inspection before shipment to obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Estimated KRA Import Tax Breakdown
Customs duties are assessed based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) customs value:
- Import Duty: ~25%
- Excise Duty: ~20% to 35% (varies by vehicle engine capacity)
- Value Added Tax (VAT): ~16%
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): ~3.5%
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): ~2%
Required Documentation for Kenya Imports
- Original Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL) or Telex Release
- Commercial Invoice & Detailed Packing List
- Kenya Import Declaration Form (IDF) generated via KRA iTax
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) / Pre-Inspection Certificate
- Certificate of Origin (Mandatory for all consignments)
- Original Vehicle Logbook / Title (if shipping vehicles inside container)
- KRA PIN and Consignee ID Registration
Related East Africa Container Shipping Routes
Compare nearby routes for container shipping to Tanzania, container shipping to Rwanda, container shipping to Ethiopia, and container shipping to Djibouti. For all African country guides, visit the Africa container shipping hub.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Shipping to Kenya
What is the primary container port in Kenya?
The Port of Mombasa is the main maritime gateway handling virtually all ocean container imports into Kenya.
Can I import a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) car from the USA to Kenya?
No. Kenya strictly mandates Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles. Left-Hand Drive cars imported from the U.S. will not pass customs clearance unless they qualify for special diplomatic or heavy construction equipment exemptions.
What is the vehicle age limit for shipping a car to Kenya?
Vehicles brought into Kenya cannot be more than 8 years old from their year of manufacture under KEBS standard KS 1515:2000.
How much is a 20ft container to Kenya?
Ocean freight ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the U.S. origin port, carrier availability, and cargo type.
How much is a 40ft container to Kenya?
A 40ft or 40ft High Cube container typically costs between $4,500 and $7,000 for ocean freight.
Do I need an Import Declaration Form (IDF)?
Yes. An IDF must be applied for and approved through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) portal by a licensed clearing agent prior to shipment arrival.
Get an Instant Container Quote to Kenya
Submit your cargo details, pickup location, container choice, and destination port for an accurate ocean freight rate confirmation.
Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
Kevin Baker serves as Export Operations Manager with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports vehicle, heavy equipment, RoRo, container, and ocean freight operations, with a focus on cargo preparation, export documentation, terminal coordination, loading requirements, and shipment readiness. All TransportDepot Inc. provides international shipping and logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.