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In order to aid you in moving to Kenya we have gathered customs information. We advise you to carefully review the information relating to moving to Kenya. You may find more up to date information at your local consulate or embassy. Please note, customs regulations are subject to change at any time. GEM Relocations cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.
Shipping to Kenya | Relocating to Kenya | Moving to Kenya

Passport (original) - (If issued within last two years the old passport is also required)

Work Permit for non-Kenyan citizens

Baggage Declaration Form C-18 signed by customer

Bank Release

Inventory in English, valued and detailed showing the number of packages and in triplicate

Insurance Certificate

Invoices for electrical items and serial numbers

Certificate of change of address

CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Goods are subject to 100% Customs verification

Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for returning Kenyan citizens provided they have resided outside Kenya for a minimum of two years and effects are imported within three months of owner's arrival

Non-Kenyan citizens (first time arrivals) are permitted to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free within three months of Work Permit being issued

Kenyan citizens who have resided for more than two years outside Kenya are not entitled to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free

Household goods must have been in owner's possession for at least one year prior to import. If new, duty will be charged at the current rates.

Alcoholic beverages

New items (may require Import License and are subject to payment of Customs duties and taxes)

Fabric pieces

Trade goods or goods for sale or disposed to other persons

Aircraft and vessels of all kinds

Used machinery

All computers whether new or old (except under diplomatic status) or unless imported by a student who is studying computer studies

Weapons, silencers, ammunitions, toy guns and explosives, including tear gas

Firearms require a certificate to be issued by Nairobi Firearms Bureau for import

Plants, seeds, bulbs, fresh fruit and vegetables (unless a permit is obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture stating plants are free from disease)

Pornographic material

Drugs

Political literature

Importation highly restricted and time consuming

First time arrivals to Kenya and returning Kenyan citizens residing outside Kenya for a minimum of two years are permitted to import ONE auto duty-free provided:

Auto is more than three months old and has been registered in owner's name for more than three months

Auto is less than 2,500 cc

Auto is not sold within 12 months of import

Owner's Work Permit has been approved for first time arrivals to Kenya

Owner is 18 years of age or older

Documents required:

Import Declaration Form (IDF), Clean Report (IDF) and Clean Report Finding (CRF)

Authority to import vehicle letter

Log Book

Certificate of Registration (indicate engine and chassis number, first date of registration and engine capacity)

Certificate of local value

Passport (if issued within last two years, the old passport is also required)

Customs C15 Form

New autos require invoice bearing engine and chassis number

Work Permit

Import permit must be obtained from the Veterinary Department at Kabete, Nairobi prior to shipping

Up to date Vaccination Certificate from country of origin must be provided on arrival

Dogs and cats are exempt from Value Added Tax but are dutiable

Birds and bird eggs are prohibited