Shipping and documents
Kenya (domestic). Delivered across Kenya in 1 to 3 days by vendor delivery or courier. Pay in KES with M-PESA, card or bank transfer. A single eTIMS invoice is issued per supplier on their KRA PIN.
Export (UAE, China, America, Europe). Sea freight from Mombasa with CIF pricing in USD. Transit is about 9 to 11 days to Jebel Ali, 21 to 23 days to Shanghai, 25 to 27 days to Rotterdam, 30 to 32 days to Los Angeles. Air freight is available for perishable and urgent lots.
Documents required on every export lot
Shown for the China market. All 7 documents below are required on an export lot, plus the certificate of origin for that market.
| Document | Issued by | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary certificate | Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service | Per consignment |
| Horticultural export licence | Agriculture and Food Authority — Horticultural Crops Directorate | One financial year |
| Export certificate | Agriculture and Food Authority — Horticultural Crops Directorate | Per consignment |
| Laboratory test report | Agriculture and Food Authority — Horticultural Crops Directorate | Per consignment |
| Food hygiene licence | Port Health Services Kenya | One calendar year |
| FPEAK membership certificate | Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya | Annual membership |
| Certificate of export | Kenya Revenue Authority | Per consignment |
Certificate of origin by market
| Certificate | Markets | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Origin (preferential) | Markets under a Kenyan preferential arrangement | Kenya Revenue Authority, Rules of Origin Section |
| Certificate of Origin (ordinary / non-preferential) | All other destinations | Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
Where consignments leave Kenya
Rules that affect your timing
Where a market is not covered by a preferential arrangement listed on the portal, the ordinary certificate of origin from KNCCI attests to Kenyan origin. Buyer or destination requirements may add attestation, legalisation or a chamber stamp that is not part of the Kenyan procedure.
Ask Hub Assist
Ask Hub Assist about the paperwork for this market. Answers are grounded in the checklist above.
Source: Kenya Trade Information Portal (InfoTrade Kenya), Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade). Documentary requirements are set by the partner government agencies and are confirmed against the consignment. This page reads the requirements live, so it always matches the checklist shown on lots.