Shipping from Los Angeles to Kenya
The San Pedro Bay port complex is the busiest in the Western Hemisphere. While transpacific trade dominates, cargo for Kenya can sail from here or move east first — we will recommend the most efficient option for your shipment.
Los Angeles has the twin Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and LAX for air cargo. Gelle Transport collects your cargo in Los Angeles, checks the paperwork and moves it to the most suitable gateway. From there it flies to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or sails to the Port of Mombasa, and we coordinate customs clearance and delivery to the receiver anywhere in Kenya.
Who ships from Los Angeles with us
Families across Los Angeles County, auto-parts and electronics exporters, and e-commerce businesses.
Services for this route
Air Freight USA to Kenya
The fastest way to get cargo to Kenya. We arrange air freight from major US airports to Jomo Kenyat…
Learn moreSea Freight USA to Kenya
The most economical way to ship heavy and bulky cargo to Kenya. Ocean freight from US ports to the …
Learn moreContainer Shipping USA to Kenya
Full 20ft and 40ft containers or a shared container — shipped to Mombasa with delivery across Kenya.
Learn moreDoor-to-Door Shipping to Kenya
From your doorstep in America to a doorstep in Kenya. One booking covers pickup, international frei…
Learn moreHow shipping from Los Angeles 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.
Ship to Kenya from other US cities
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Los Angeles to Kenya take?
Air freight typically takes about 5–10 days door to door; sea freight typically takes around 4–7 weeks including clearance and inland delivery. Your quote confirms the expected timeline.
How much does shipping from Los Angeles to Kenya cost?
Cost depends on weight, volume, mode (air or sea) and the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Request a quote for a real, itemised price.
Do you offer door-to-door delivery?
Yes. We collect in Los Angeles and deliver to the receiver’s address anywhere in Kenya.
Who pays the import duty in Kenya?
Duties and taxes are normally paid by the receiver in Kenya, although they can be arranged in advance. Our quote shows them separately from freight.
Can I ship a car on this route?
Yes, if the vehicle meets Kenyan import rules, including the age limit and right-hand-drive requirement. Check eligibility before buying.