Changing tax rates
Kenya updates its duties every July with the new Finance Act. In July 2026, duty on mobile phones rose from 0% to 25%.
Kenya is East Africa's tech hub. Every cargo shipment into Kenya takes clear planning, though. Most products need inspection before they leave the origin country. And ICT goods need a permit before customs will touch them. You must file cargo data online, follow strict rules, and get approvals before your goods land. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in Kenya and manage the filings for you.
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Every shipment to Kenya now starts online, before it leaves the origin country.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards, or KEBS, manages the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity program, also known as PVoC. An inspection agent appointed by KEBS inspects goods in the country where they are exported from.
If the goods meet the required standards, the agent issues a Certificate of Conformity or CoC. This CoC is then submitted to the National Single Window system. After this step, the goods can be released for import into Kenya.
Exporter Managed Inspection, With TradeWise as IOR
First, you book the PVoC inspection with an approved agent. Then, you name TradeWise as the importer of record. We file the IDF, apply for the ICT permit, and lodge the CoC. Once this is set up, every future shipment follows the same path. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Kenya.
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Every Kenya shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
A KEBS-appointed agent checks them before loading.
The certificate confirms the goods meet Kenyan standards.
We lodge the IDF, the CoC, and the ICT permit online.
Duties are paid, and the goods are released.
What Kenyan Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
KRA customs is the process run by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
It clears all shipments. Duty follows the East African Community Common External Tariff, with bands of 0%, 10%, 25% and 35%. VAT of 16% is charged on the value plus duty and levies. Are you wondering how to import laptops and servers to Kenya? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
Africa region
Many African markets strictly follow the documentation long before cargo lands. Consular legalization and advance cargo filings must be completed, and conformity certificates must be ready before dispatch. TradeWise promises to make your journey smooth. We handle all the necessary documentation and inspections. We also secure the legal approvals before your cargo arrives. TradeWise can help you clear your shipment smoothly and without delay at the port.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
Kenya updates its duties every July with the new Finance Act. In July 2026, duty on mobile phones rose from 0% to 25%.
Duty, the IDF fee, the Railway Development Levy, and VAT all stack up.
Since 2025, the Communications Authority needs a compliance certificate for each imported ICT product. Fines can reach KES 1 million.
Used vehicles over eight years old can't be imported. Used electronics face extra checks.
If customs thinks a value is too low, it can reassess the goods and add penalties.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Kenya.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in Kenya help you import IT equipment to Kenya and avoid rejection and delay.
IORWe work with the inspection agent and the Communications Authority, so certificates and permits are ready before dispatch.
PVoC and PermitOur team values your goods correctly from the start, avoiding costly reassessments.
ValuationThese are the Kenya import regulations for IT equipment that your goods must meet before they can be sold or used. Do you need an importer of record in Kenya? If you have no local entity, you do. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
ICT equipment shipped into Kenya, such as phones, routers, and laptops, falls under CA rules. The importer applies online with a letter of authorization and technical documents, and pays a processing fee. The CA then issues a type approval import permit.
TradeWise compiles and submits the full CA file for you to speed up approval and Kenya import customs clearance.
KRA collects duties, levies, and VAT, and checks permits at the border.
KEBS sets product standards and runs the PVoC program through its appointed inspection agents.
Kenya applies the EAC Common External Tariff, shared with its partner states. Goods with EAC origin can move between members at lower duty.
Kenya is recognized as East Africa's major commercial hub, providing landlocked neighbors like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan access to international waters via Mombasa, the region's primary port.
Kenya maintains strong trade relationships with China, the United States, Germany, and the UAE, with high-value technology forming a rapidly growing share of its imports.
Real obstacles come from paperwork, tedious customs clearance and expensive duties. Smooth, legal and affordable freighting happens when the right partner is chosen, whether the importer is bringing electronics or the exporter is sending dual‑use items.
Public and religious holidays can delay shipping deadlines. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates shift each year.
1 June
Marks the start of Kenya's self-rule.
20 October
Heroes' Day, a national holiday.
12 December
Independence Day, right before the Christmas slowdown.
Every Week
The weekend in Kenya. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will handle all requirements and documentation, providing a clear quote with every cost included upfront.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
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