Full container or shared container
With a Full Container Load (FCL), you rent an entire 20ft or 40ft container. With Less than Container Load (LCL), your goods share space with other shippers and you pay for the volume you use. LCL suits smaller consignments; FCL is often better value once you fill about half a container.
From US port to your Kenyan town
Ocean cargo arrives at Mombasa, East Africa's largest port. Containers can be cleared in Mombasa or moved to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot by rail, then delivered by truck to your address.
What people ship by sea
Household goods and furniture, vehicles, machinery, building materials, wholesale stock and commercial cargo — anything where cost per cubic foot matters more than speed.
What you can ship to Kenya
- Personal effects & boxes
- Household goods & furniture
- Electronics & computers
- Vehicles (KEBS rules apply)
- Machinery & equipment
- Commercial & wholesale stock
- Building materials
- Parcels & packages
- Medical & NGO supplies
- Solar & energy equipment
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.
Packing tips for a smooth journey
Why ship to Kenya with Gelle Transport
US trucking roots
A Kansas City carrier since 2014 — your shipment starts with a pickup you can rely on.
One accountable team
One contact from US pickup to Kenyan delivery, not a chain of providers.
Documents checked first
We review paperwork before departure to avoid delays at the port.
Honest, itemised quotes
Freight, handling and duties shown separately — no invented “from” prices.
24/7 dispatch
Real people answer the phone and WhatsApp.
Diverse supplier
Woman-owned and minority-owned business.
Kenyan towns we deliver to
US cities we ship from
Frequently asked questions
How long does sea freight from the USA to Kenya take?
Typically around 4–7 weeks port to port, plus time for pickup, customs clearance and inland delivery. East Coast and Gulf ports usually have shorter transit to Mombasa than West Coast ports.
Which is cheaper, FCL or LCL?
For small volumes LCL is cheaper. As your volume grows, a full container becomes better value and is handled less, which reduces the risk of damage.
Can I ship a car by sea to Kenya?
Yes, subject to Kenyan import rules (including the vehicle age limit and right-hand-drive requirement). Check eligibility before buying a vehicle to ship.
What documents do I need to ship to Kenya?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and the bill of lading or air waybill. The importer needs a KRA PIN, and many goods require a Certificate of Conformity under the KEBS PVoC programme.
Can I ship a car from the USA to Kenya?
Yes, if the vehicle meets Kenyan rules, including the age limit and right-hand-drive requirement. Check eligibility before buying.
Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes — we coordinate delivery to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika and other towns through local partners.