Kenya Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Kenya customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of personal effects into Kenya. Customs procedures are administered by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and require strict documentation, valuation and inspection compliance.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Kenya, offering export packing, sea/air freight, customs processing and delivery to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and other locations.

1. Moving to Kenya – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Kenya allows duty-free import of used personal effects for returning residents and expatriates if:

The goods are owned and used for at least 12 months prior to shipment
You hold a valid work permit, residence visa or returning resident status
Items are for personal use and not commercial resale
The shipment arrives within 90 days of your entry into Kenya

Important: New or unopened goods, electronics and appliances may attract duty, excise tax and import VAT. Retain receipts for verification.

1.2 Port of Entry Rules

Most household shipments enter through the Port of Mombasa. Clearance delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or inventory details are vague.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Original passport and residence/work permit
Bill of lading / air waybill
KRA declaration documents (IDF / C17 forms)
Detailed packing list with item descriptions
Inventory listing electronics with serial numbers

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List electronics individually—brand, model and serial number
Avoid vague descriptions such as “household goods”
New items must be declared separately and invoiced
Multiple identical items may be classified as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Kenya inspects electronics and appliances frequently. Keep receipts for TVs, sound systems and new devices to avoid duty disputes.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Kenya

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing a vehicle into Kenya is possible but highly regulated. All vehicles must undergo inspection before shipment, and duties are calculated based on valuation, age and engine capacity.

Vehicles must be less than 8 years old
Right-hand drive vehicles only (exceptions are rare)
Inspection required through KEBs before shipment

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title document
Bill of lading
Vehicle inspection certificate
Proof of ownership for at least 12 months
KRA import declaration forms

Important: Duties on luxury and high-engine-capacity vehicles can be high. Confirm valuation before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Kenya

Pets can be imported into Kenya subject to veterinary and entry permit rules. Dogs and cats are the most common permitted pets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO microchip identification
Rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before arrival
Veterinary health certificate issued within required timeframe
Import permit issued by Kenya’s Directorate of Veterinary Services

Pet Travel Tip: Pets from certain regions may require quarantine. Begin permit applications early to avoid delays.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported into Kenya, but duties, excise tax and import VAT apply. Personal quantities may pass with declaration, but commercial-level imports require specific licensing.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are taxable and must be declared. Commercial volumes require permits, and undeclared tobacco can be confiscated.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Kenya protects public and animal health through strict import rules on food, meat and plant materials:

Meat, dairy and poultry require veterinary certificates
Plant-based products may require a phytosanitary certificate
Products that do not meet Kenyan standards may be destroyed at the owner's expense

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicine must be supported by a doctor’s letter
Chemicals and laboratory equipment require import permits
Weapons, explosives and restricted materials are strictly controlled

Important: Kenya inspects food, agricultural goods and electronics frequently. Declare restricted items to avoid fines and delays.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Kenya

Kenya prohibits the import of the following goods:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without authorization
Obscene or pornographic material
Counterfeit goods and pirated software or media
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive substances
Wildlife products protected under Kenyan and CITES laws
Plastic bags (single-use) — strictly banned nationwide
Drone imports without Kenya Civil Aviation Authority approval

Undeclared or prohibited items can result in fines, seizure or legal action. Kenya is particularly strict on counterfeit goods and plastic materials.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Kenya

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Kenya, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare detailed packing lists and support documents before shipping
Apply for work permits or residency prior to shipment arrival
Retain receipts for electronics and newly purchased items
Confirm destination address access for delivery vehicles

7.2 Why choose a Kenya relocation specialist

Kenya’s customs process can be complex. Working with a professional international moving company provides:

Accurate customs declarations
Reduced clearance delays at Mombasa and Nairobi
Specialist handling for vehicles, pets and restricted imports
Door-to-door delivery coordination

Relocation Tip: Clearance times may vary based on port congestion and customs inspections. Plan temporary accommodation and arrival schedules carefully.

8. Useful Official Links – Kenya

Use these official portals for updated import and customs regulations:

This guide assists with planning an international relocation to Kenya. Final customs decisions are made by the Kenya Revenue Authority and relevant government agencies.