Cross-Border Transportation: overview
Mombasa is the main gateway for East Africa's landlocked countries. We help coordinate onward cross-border movements for cargo that lands in Kenya but is destined for neighbouring countries.
Gelle Transport combines more than a decade of US trucking with vetted international air and ocean partners, giving you one accountable team from the moment your cargo is collected in the United States until it is delivered in Kenya.
Who it is for
Shippers whose cargo lands in Kenya but is destined for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania or the DRC.
Key benefits
How it works
- 01
Tell us about the shipment
What you are shipping, from where in the US, to which town in Kenya and by when.
- 02
Get a clear quote
An itemised price with no invented “from” rates, and a realistic timeline.
- 03
We move it
US pickup, documentation checks and international freight booked with vetted carriers.
- 04
Delivered and confirmed
Clearance coordination and delivery to the receiver in Kenya.
Cross-Border Transportation for Kenya
Key Kenyan border points include Malaba and Busia (Uganda), Namanga (Tanzania) and Moyale (Ethiopia). Transit cargo moves under bond and needs accurate paperwork from the start.
See Cross-Border Transportation in KenyaService area
Pickup across the United States, with air arrivals at Nairobi JKIA, sea arrivals at the Port of Mombasa and delivery to towns across Kenya. Onward routing to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and the DRC is available on request.
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
Industries we support
Cross-Border Transportation FAQs
Do I pay Kenyan duty on transit cargo?
Cargo correctly declared in transit to another country moves under bond and is not cleared for home use in Kenya. Duty is paid in the destination country.
Which border points are used?
Malaba and Busia for Uganda, Namanga for Tanzania, Moyale for Ethiopia, and Nimule (via Uganda) for South Sudan.
How do I get a quote for Cross-Border Transportation?
Use our quote form, WhatsApp us or call +1 (816) 482-2607. Include pickup and delivery locations, what you are shipping and your timing.
Do you have dispatch outside office hours?
Yes — our dispatchers work around the clock.