One of the most common questions importers ask is:
“How long will my cargo take to clear in Kenya?”

The honest answer?
It depends—but delays are usually predictable and avoidable.

In this article, we break down the realistic import clearance timeline in Kenya, explain what affects clearance speed, give real-life examples, and show how Clearon Logistics helps importers clear faster and with fewer surprises.

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What Is Import Clearance in Kenya?

Import clearance is the process of:

• Declaring goods to KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority)
• Paying import duty and taxes
• Obtaining required permits
• Passing inspections
• Securing release from customs

Clearance happens mainly at:

• Port of Mombasa
• JKIA (for air cargo)

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Average Import Clearance Timeline in Kenya

1. Air Freight Clearance (JKIA)

Typical timeline:
⏱ 1–3 working days

Best case: Same-day or next-day clearance
Worst case: 4–7 days (permit or valuation issues)

Air cargo clears faster due to:

• Lower volumes
• Priority handling
• Faster inspections

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2. Sea Freight Clearance (Mombasa Port)

Typical timeline:
⏱ 3–7 working days

Best case: 2–3 days
Worst case: 10–21+ days if issues arise

Sea freight involves:

• Higher traffic
• More inspections
• More documentation

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Clearance Timeline Breakdown (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Document Submission (Same Day)

Documents include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Permits (if applicable)

✅ When documents are correct, this step is fast.

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Step 2: Customs Entry & Assessment (1 Day)

KRA assesses:

• HS codes
• Customs value
• Applicable taxes

❌ Errors here cause delays and penalties.

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Step 3: Duty & Tax Payment (Same–Next Day)

Once assessed:

• Import duty
• VAT
• Other levies are paid

Clearon Logistics ensures accurate pre-calculation, preventing surprises.

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Step 4: Inspection (If Selected) (1–3 Days)

Cargo may be:

• Physically inspected
• Scanned
• Verified by other agencies

Not all cargo is inspected—but random selection is common.

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Step 5: Cargo Release & Delivery (1–2 Days)

After release:

• Port/airport handling
• Transport to final destination

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What Causes Clearance Delays in Kenya?

1. Missing or Incorrect Permits

Examples:

• KEBS for electronics
• KEPHIS for agricultural products
• PPB for pharmaceuticals

🚫 Cargo will not clear without permits.

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2. Under-Declaration of Value

KRA uses reference pricing.
If values look suspicious:

• Re-assessment occurs
• Delays and penalties follow

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3. Wrong HS Codes

Incorrect HS codes lead to:

• Wrong duty rates
• Reprocessing of entries

This alone can delay clearance by 3–5 days.

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4. Late Duty Payment

Even a one-day delay in payment can push clearance back several days.

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Real-Life Clearance Examples

Example 1: Fast Clearance

• Air cargo (electronics)
• Correct permits
• Accurate valuation
  ⏱ Cleared in 2 days

Handled by Clearon Logistics.

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Example 2: Delayed Clearance

• Sea freight (household goods)
• Missing KEBS permit
• Value queried by KRA
  ⏱ Cleared in 14 days

Importer used an inexperienced agent.

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How Clearon Logistics Speeds Up Clearance

Clearon Logistics reduces delays by:

• Pre-checking documents before arrival
• Advising on permits early
• Correct HS code classification
• Accurate duty estimation
• Proactive communication with customs

We don’t wait for problems—we prevent them.

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Can Clearance Be Done Before Cargo Arrives?

Yes. This is called pre-clearance.

Clearon Logistics offers:

• Document pre-verification
• Advance duty calculations
• Permit readiness

This can cut clearance time by up to 50%.

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How Importers Can Prepare for Faster Clearance

✔ Send documents early
✔ Declare correct values
✔ Confirm permits
✔ Use an experienced clearing agent
✔ Avoid “cheap shortcuts”

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Why Clearance Time Matters for Your Business

Delays cause:

• Storage and demurrage charges
• Missed sales opportunities
• Cash flow strain
• Customer dissatisfaction

Efficient clearance = lower costs + faster turnaround.

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Why Importers Trust Clearon Logistics

Clearon Logistics provides:

• Fast, compliant import clearance
• Expertise at Mombasa & JKIA
• Transparent timelines
• Honest advice
• End-to-end logistics support

We clear cargo correctly the first time.

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Final Thoughts

Import clearance in Kenya doesn’t have to be unpredictable.
With the right preparation and the right partner, most cargo clears within expected timelines.

If you want speed, compliance, and peace of mind, Clearon Logistics is the partner you need.

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