One of the most common questions importers ask is: “How much will it really cost to import goods into Kenya?”
If you’ve ever tried to get a straight answer, you’ve probably noticed something:
Some people give rough guesses, others give flat rates, and many forget to mention hidden charges that only appear when your cargo is already at the port.
In this guide, we’ll break down every cost involved in importing into Kenya, show real examples with figures, and explain how you can avoid overpaying by using a transparent clearing and forwarding partner like Clearon Logistics.
Whether you’re importing from China, Dubai, Turkey, or anywhere else, this article will help you budget correctly and import with confidence.
The 5 Main Cost Categories When Importing into Kenya
When you import goods, your total cost usually falls into these five buckets:
- Cost of goods (what you pay the supplier)
- Shipping & insurance
- Customs taxes (duty, VAT, IDF, RDL, permits)
- Port charges & clearing fees
- Local delivery (if applicable)
Let’s break each one down in simple terms.
1. Cost of Goods (Supplier Price)
This is the price you pay your supplier for the products.
Example:
- You buy electronics accessories from China
- Supplier invoice: USD 5,000
- Convert to KES (example rate): ≈ KES 700,000
This amount is the starting point, but it’s not what KRA uses alone to calculate taxes.
2. Shipping & Insurance Costs
These depend on:
- Air freight vs sea freight
- Weight or volume (CBM)
- Origin country
- Urgency
Example (Sea Freight):
- Freight: KES 120,000
- Insurance: KES 10,000
So now your customs value base becomes:
Cost of goods + Freight + Insurance
= 700,000 + 120,000 + 10,000 = KES 830,000
This KES 830,000 is what customs uses to start calculating taxes.
3. Customs Taxes in Kenya (The Big One 💰)
Most imports into Kenya attract:
- Import Duty (rate depends on HS code: 0%, 10%, 25%, etc.)
- Excise duty (if applicable)
- VAT (usually 16%)
- IDF (2.5% of customs value, capped)
- RDL (2% of customs value)
- Permits (if applicable)
Real Example Calculation
Assume:
- Customs value = KES 830,000
- HS code duty rate = 25%
- No excise duty
Step 1: Import Duty
25% of 830,000 = KES 207,500
Step 2: IDF (2.5%)
3.5% of 830,000 = KES 20,750
Step 3: RDL (2%)
2% of 830,000 = KES 16,600
Step 4: VAT (16%)
VAT is charged on:
(Customs value + Duty + IDF + RDL)
VAT base = 830,000 + 207,500 + 20,750 + 16,600 = 1,074,850
VAT = 16% of 1,074,850 ≈ KES 171,976
Total Taxes:
- Duty: 207,500
- IDF: 29,050
- RDL: 16,600
- VAT: 171,976
✅ Total taxes ≈ KES 425,126
This is why HS code accuracy matters.
If your duty rate is 10% instead of 25%, your taxes drop massively.
Clearon Logistics helps you classify your goods correctly so you don’t overpay or risk penalties.
4. Port Charges & Clearing Fees
These usually include:
- Port handling charges
- Clearing & forwarding service fee
- Agency fee
- Documentation fee
- Coordination & processing charges
These costs vary based on:
- Port (Mombasa, ICD, etc.)
- Cargo type
- Volume / container size
- Complexity of clearance
Typical Range (Example):
- Port & handling: KES 20,000 – 60,000+
- Clearing & forwarding fees: KES 30,000 – 100,000+ depending on cargo
At Clearon Logistics, we use a transparent, item-based costing approach so you only pay what truly applies to your shipment.
5. Local Delivery (Optional)
If you want your cargo delivered to your warehouse or shop, you’ll add:
- Trucking or transport cost
- Offloading or handling (if needed)
This depends on:
- Distance
- Cargo size
- Truck type
Full Cost Summary (Realistic Example)
Let’s summarize our example:
- Cost of goods: KES 700,000
- Freight & insurance: KES 130,000
- Taxes (duty, VAT, IDF, RDL): KES 425,126
- Port & clearing fees (estimate): KES 80,000
✅ Total landed cost ≈ KES 1,335,126
This is the real cost of importing, not just the supplier price.
How Many Importers Make Mistakes (And How to Avoid It)
Common mistakes:
- Wrong HS code → higher duty
- Late permit application → clearance delays
- Poor planning → storage & demurrage charges
Clearon Logistics helps you:
- Get accurate tax estimates before shipping
- Apply necessary permits early
- Use correct HS codes
- Reduce delays and surprise costs
Why Work with Clearon Logistics?
We don’t just clear cargo — we protect your money.
With Clearon Logistics, you get:
- Transparent cost breakdowns
- Correct HS code classification
- Step-by-step guidance
- Faster clearance
- Lower risk of overpaying
- Honest, professional support
👉 You can request a quote before you ship and see your real expected costs upfront.
Final Thoughts
Importing into Kenya is profitable — if you understand the real costs.
Once you plan properly and work with the right clearing partner, you can control your budget, avoid surprises, and scale your business safely.
If you want your next shipment handled professionally, transparently, and efficiently, Clearon Logistics is ready to help.
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