Clearing Agent for Event, Film and Media Production Equipment in Kenya

Henry Kiarie

| Published date

November 3, 2026

Last updated

November 3, 2026

A clearing agent for event, film and media production is solving a problem with a hard date at the end of it: the shoot, the concert or the broadcast starts on a fixed day, and the equipment either arrives cleared or it doesn’t. Cameras, lighting, sound, staging, generators and drones all enter temporarily and leave again, which in Kenya runs through a customs bond rather than the carnet system many international crews are used to.

No Carnet: Plan the Bond Early

Kenya does not accept ATA Carnets. Temporary imports are handled through a customs bond arranged with a Kenyan agent and bond provider, and duty becomes payable if the equipment isn’t re-exported within the agreed period. Our temporary importation guide explains the mechanism. Set up the bond weeks before shipping, not on landing day.

Drones Need Separate Approval

Aerial filming needs a drone import permit from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, with security clearance involved, and visiting crews can apply for a temporary permit valid for a limited period. This is slower than most crews expect; see our drone import guide and start the application early.

Wireless Gear, Batteries and Generators

Radio microphones, intercoms and other wireless equipment can need Communications Authority approval, including personal-use permits for visitors; see our telecommunications equipment guide. Lithium batteries are dangerous goods in transit and need correct packing and carrier acceptance. Generators and heavy staging need handling and transport planning, as in our industrial equipment guide.

Itemise Everything, With Serial Numbers

Temporary imports depend on proving that what leaves is what came in. Prepare an inventory with descriptions, serial numbers and values for every item, and keep it consistent across the commercial invoice, carnet-style schedule and packing cases. Missing or mismatched items turn into dutiable shortfalls at re-export.

Props, Replicas and Local Purchases

Prop weapons and replicas can raise firearms-licensing questions and should be checked with the authorities before travel; see our prohibited and restricted goods guide. Anything sold or left behind in Kenya after the production effectively becomes an import and may attract duty, so plan disposal in advance.

Air Freight Timelines for Fixed Dates

Most production gear travels by air through JKIA. Build slack into the schedule for documentation, inspection and the unexpected, and consider shipping heavy, non-urgent staging by sea earlier. Compare options in our air versus sea guide.

Working With Clearon Logistics on Productions

We arrange the bond and paperwork ahead of arrival, coordinate approvals for drones and wireless gear, and plan clearance around your call sheet or event schedule, including the re-export leg.

Bringing production or event equipment into Kenya? Talk to Clearon Logistics with your equipment list and dates, and we’ll build the clearance plan backwards from your first day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ATA Carnet for production equipment in Kenya? No. Kenya does not accept carnets; temporary imports run through a customs bond arrangement.

What happens if equipment isn’t re-exported on time? Duty becomes payable, so plan the return leg and bond period carefully.

Do I need permission to fly a drone for filming? Yes. A KCAA import permit and security clearance are involved, and the process takes time.

Can I sell equipment locally after the production? Doing so effectively makes it an import and may attract duty, so plan disposal in advance.