With a concrete plan for future advancement (‘Vision 2030’) and a strong focus on technology development, Kenya offers promising prospects for Irish companies looking to trade with Africa.
Sources: GOV.UK, World Bank
For more detailed information when trading with Kenya, download our Kenya Fact Sheet.
Locations: 33
Gateways into the Country: 1
DHL Delivery Zone: 10
Vehicle Fleet: 41
| Kenya: Country Profile | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital: | Nairobi | EXPORTS FROM KENYA | |
| Population: | 44,037,656 | Exports from Kenya: |
US$ 6.228 billion (2012 est.) |
| Area: | 580,367 sq km | Export Commodities: | Tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement. |
| Currency: | 1 shilling (KES) = 100 cent | Top Export Destinations: | USA, UK, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa. |
| GDP: | US$ 75 billion (2012 est.) | IMPORTS INTO KENYA | |
| Time Zones: | UTC +3; no daylight savings time observed | Imports into Kenya: |
US$ 15.1 billion (2012 est.) |
| Languages: | English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages | Import Commodities: | Machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics. |
| Ethnic Groups: | Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% | Top Import Origins: | USA, UK, South Africa, Germany, China. |
| Transit Times | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| The times provided for dutiable shipments are based on the time expected for Customs in Kenya to clear the shipment. This is contingent upon the value of the shipment. |
Destination | Non-Dutiable Shipment | Dutiable Shipment |
| Nairobi | 2 days | 3 days | |
| Kisumu | 4 days | 5 days | |
| Nakuru | 4 days | 5 days | |
| Eldoret | 4 days | 4 days | |
| Nyeri | 4 days | 5 days | |
DHL can assist you with trading with Kenya. Contact the DHL Express team on 1890 725 725
DHL Customer Services is also available on 1890 725 725
US$ 10
Shipments with values exceeding US$ 1,000 and / or weighing over 70 kg require an Import Licence and formal clearance. The receiver must provide Customs with their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and Import Declaration Form (IDF).
Commercial invoices must be in English on official letter-headed paper, dated and signed, and need to include: the invoice number; full contact details for shipper and receiver; full descriptions of the contents / items being imported; and contents must be itemised, including individual and total values.
The list below is in addition to DHL’s standard list of prohibited items.
Advertising brochures / pamphlets, blueprints, booklets & brochures (non-advertisement), business cards, calendars, catalogues, diaries, issued or validated airline tickets, plans or drawings – architectural / industrial / engineering, technical manuals and transparencies
Maximum quantity: 10 pieces.
Drugs: Non-prescription
Obtain Clean Report of Findings (CRF) before shipping.
Drugs: Prescription
Must be accompanied by a prescription from a qualified medical doctor based in Kenya. If a shipment of prescription drugs exceeds 100 kg, contact DHL Customer Services before shipping.
Machine & electronic parts
Spare parts (motor vehicle, machine, medical parts, computer parts) require formal clearance regardless of value.
Magazines, periodicals, journals and newspapers
Maximum quantity: 6 pieces.
Personal effects
These may be imported using a pro-forma invoice showing an itemised list of contents with individual values. This invoice must be in English and has the same requirements as the commercial invoice but does not require letter-headed paper. New items declared under personal effects are subject to duties. The receiver’s passport is required for shipment clearance.
Photographs
Maximum weight: 20 kg (44 lb). Not accepted as documents when shipped from the US; send as goods.
Shipments to diplomatic missions or the UN
Duty exemption letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya require
For foodstuffs and x-ray machines please contact DHL Customer Services before shipping.
