Car Shipping & Freight to Kenya
Mombasa is East Africa's busiest gateway — but Kenya registers right-hand-drive vehicles only, so U.S. cars stay home. What we ship in volume: construction machinery, generators, trucks under special permit, and project cargo for the region's infrastructure boom.
Kenya at a Glance
Space available- Shipping from
- $2,600+
- Ocean transit
- 35–45 days (via Salalah)
- Arrival ports
- Mombasa
- Import duty + VAT
- Machinery 0–10% + 16% VAT
- U.S. passenger cars
- LHD banned — not registrable
No obligation · Response within 1 business hour
Shipping to Kenya: What You Need to Know
Kenya's vehicle rules are among the strictest in Africa: only right-hand-drive vehicles can be registered, left-hand-drive imports are banned outright, and even RHD units must be under 8 years old with a KEBS pre-shipment inspection. That means the U.S. used-car play simply doesn't exist here — and anyone telling you otherwise is setting you up for a seized vehicle at Mombasa. We say it plainly so you can invest in what actually clears.
The lane that does work is equipment. Kenya is mid-build on roads, rail, geothermal plants, and housing, and U.S. construction machinery, generators, and specialized trucks (importable under special permit) land at Mombasa at 0–10% duty. Sailings route via transshipment at Salalah or Jebel Ali, putting port-to-port transit at 35–45 days, and Mombasa's inland container depots connect directly to Nairobi by the standard gauge railway. Project cargo for contractors is our fastest-growing Kenya business.
Key takeaway
Don't ship a U.S. car to Kenya — LHD is banned and the 8-year age cap applies even to RHD. Do ship machinery: 0–10% duty + 16% VAT, 35–45 days via Salalah, with rail connection from Mombasa to Nairobi. We confirm permit requirements per unit before booking.
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Kenya
| U.S. Departure Port | Arrival Port | Ocean Transit | Sailing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York / New Jersey | Mombasa (via Salalah) | 35–45 days | Bi-weekly |
| Savannah, GA | Mombasa (via Salalah) | 36–46 days | Bi-weekly |
| Houston, TX | Mombasa (via Jebel Ali) | 40–50 days | Monthly |
| Baltimore, MD | Mombasa (via Salalah) | 36–46 days | Monthly |
Transit times are port-to-port estimates and exclude export clearance and customs processing.
What It Costs to Ship to Kenya
Indicative per-unit rates from U.S. ports. Your exact rate depends on vehicle dimensions, departure region, and current vessel space.
| Service | Typical Rate | What to Know | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared container (consolidated) | $2,600 – $3,400 | Budget-friendly, waits for consolidation | Standard sedans & SUVs |
| Dedicated 20ft container | $3,800 – $5,000 | Fastest loading, single vehicle | High-value or classic cars |
| Dedicated 40ft container | $4,800 – $6,800 | Fits 2 vehicles or vehicle + cargo | Pairs, dealer lots |
| RoRo (roll-on / roll-off) | Custom quote | Drive-on service, no container | Running vehicles, trucks, machinery |
| Flat rack / breakbulk | Custom quote | For oversized & non-running units | Heavy equipment, boats |
Rates shown are indicative ranges from the U.S. East Coast and are confirmed at booking.
Try the cost calculator →Rates move with fuel surcharges and season. Get today's exact rate for your vehicle in under 1 hour.
Price My ShipmentKenya Import Duties & Taxes
| Category | Import Duty | VAT / Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction machinery | 0–10% | 16% | Most units duty-free |
| Generators & power equipment | 0% | 16% | IDF & railway levy apply |
| Trucks (special permit) | 25% | 16% + excise | Case-by-case approval needed |
| Passenger cars (LHD) | Prohibited | — | RHD only, max 8 years |
| Project / breakbulk cargo | 0–10% | 16% | Infrastructure exemptions possible |
Indicative rates for general guidance — final assessment is made by customs at arrival. Our team confirms the exact landed cost before you book.
Documents You'll Need
- Original vehicle title (Certificate of Title) — lien-free
- Bill of sale or commercial invoice
- Copy of passport or government ID
- U.S. AES export filing (we handle this)
- Import declaration at destination (we coordinate)
- Packing list for personal items, if any
Shipping equipment for a Kenyan project?
Registered infrastructure and energy projects can qualify for duty remission on imported machinery, and contractors' equipment can enter under temporary importation with a customs bond — paying no duty if it re-exports. We structure the right regime before the vessel sails.
What We Ship to Kenya
Every cargo type has its own routing, loading method, and import path. Pick yours to see the exact process.
Cars, SUVs & Classics
Container or RoRo service into Kenya's main vehicle gateways, with full customs handling.
- Sedans, SUVs & pickups
- Classic & collector cars
- Motorcycles & ATVs
Heavy Equipment
Flat rack, breakbulk, and container loading for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery bound for Kenya.
- Excavators & dozers
- Agricultural machinery
- Oversized project cargo
Boats & Yachts
Cradled container loading or lift-on/lift-off service for boats and personal watercraft headed to Kenya.
- Powerboats & sailboats
- Yachts & cruisers
- Jet skis & PWC
Container vs. RoRo to Kenya
| Feature | Container | RoRo |
|---|---|---|
| Personal items allowed inside | ||
| Non-running vehicles accepted | ||
| Lowest cost for running cars | ||
| Weather-protected transit | ||
| Multiple vehicles per booking |
Popular U.S. → Kenya Routes
New York / New Jersey → Mombasa (via Salalah)
35–45 days ocean transit · Bi-weekly departures
Savannah, GA → Mombasa (via Salalah)
36–46 days ocean transit · Bi-weekly departures
Houston, TX → Mombasa (via Jebel Ali)
40–50 days ocean transit · Monthly departures
Baltimore, MD → Mombasa (via Salalah)
36–46 days ocean transit · Monthly departures
Step-by-Step: How Your Shipment to Kenya Moves
Quote & booking
Day 0Lock in your rate and vessel space. We confirm pickup windows and the best departure port for your route.
U.S. pickup & delivery to port
Days 1–7Door pickup from any auction, dealer, or residence. Condition photos taken at every handoff.
Export clearance & loading
Days 5–12AES filing, title validation with CBP (72-hour rule), professional loading, blocking, and bracing.
Ocean transit
35–45 days (via Salalah)Regular sailings with full tracking from departure to arrival at Mombasa.
Customs & handover
2–7 daysImport declaration, duty and tax payment, and release. Optional onward trucking to your final destination.
Buying from a U.S. auction? Read our step-by-step playbook before you bid.
Read the auction shipping guideFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about shipping to Kenya. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our team.
Typical transit time for car shipping to Kenya ranges from 3–8 weeks door-to-door. This includes inland transport to the U.S. port (3–7 days), vessel departure scheduling and loading (3–10 days), ocean transit (2–6 weeks depending on sailing route and port congestion), customs clearance at destination (2–7 days), and final inland delivery in Kenya (2–5 days). Exact timing depends on the port pair, sailing frequency, and whether you choose container, consolidated, or RoRo-style service where available. We provide route-specific timing when you request a quote so you know what to expect before shipping.
To export a vehicle to Kenya, you typically need the original title or proof of ownership, a bill of sale, a copy of your passport or government ID, a completed export declaration, and a detailed commercial invoice or packing list. Depending on regulations in Kenya, you may also need import approval, emissions or age-compliance documentation, and tax ID information for the receiver. Our documentation team reviews your situation in advance and confirms the exact paperwork required so your shipment clears both U.S. export control and customs in Kenya without unnecessary delays.
In many cases, you can place a reasonable amount of boxed personal items inside a containerized vehicle bound for Kenya, as long as everything is properly declared on the paperwork and allowed by local customs. However, loose household goods, undeclared high-value items, hazardous materials, and restricted products can create customs issues or fines. For RoRo or certain port rules, vehicles must be nearly empty. We advise you exactly what can and cannot travel in the vehicle for your route to Kenya and can recommend separate consolidation services if you have a larger household shipment.
Import duties, taxes, and port charges in Kenya depend on the type of vehicle or equipment, its age, engine size, customs value, and the receiver's status (individual, returning resident, or company). Some countries offer reduced duties for returning citizens or temporary imports; others apply luxury or environmental surcharges. We help you estimate landed costs by reviewing current rules for Kenya, preparing accurate customs documentation, and coordinating with our local clearing agents so you understand all government and port fees before your cargo ships.
Yes. For shipments to Kenya, we can usually provide complete door-to-door service that includes pickup anywhere in the U.S., export preparation and loading, ocean freight to the closest practical port, customs clearance, and inland delivery to your city or project site. In some regions of Kenya we may recommend door-to-port service with trusted local partners handling the final leg. During quoting we confirm exactly which delivery options are available for your specific address so you can choose the level of service that fits your budget and timeline.
Marine cargo insurance is strongly recommended for shipments to Kenya because standard carrier liability does not cover the full value of your vehicle or machinery. We arrange all-risk coverage that protects against total loss, damage, theft, and general average from the time the unit is picked up until it is delivered at destination. Insurance is normally calculated as a small percentage of the declared value and can be included directly in your shipping quote for Kenya, so you have one clear, all-inclusive cost.
Ready to Ship to Kenya?
Get a customized quote for your shipment to Kenya with detailed pricing and transit options.