Shipping from Dubai
to Kenya.
We move cargo to Kenya from Dubai every week, by sea and by air. We ship business and personal cargo. Send a few boxes, a pallet, a full container, or a whole house move. We collect anywhere in the UAE, do the customs paperwork at both ends, and deliver to your address in Kenya.
Overview
Sea and air freight
to Kenya.
Shipping from Dubai to Kenya takes about 7 to 18 days by sea, and 2 to 6 days by air. Sea comes into Mombasa, which is the biggest port in East Africa. Air reaches Nairobi and Mombasa. From there we deliver everywhere, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, Malindi, Machakos and Nyeri. Cargo for Nairobi usually travels up by train to the inland depot and clears there, close to you, instead of at the coast. We move machinery, building materials, furniture, electronics, food and household goods. Navo Shipping handles the sea freight, air freight and customs clearance on the Dubai to Kenya route, door to door. Tell us what you are sending, how heavy it is, and where it is going, and we will tell you which way is cheaper.
Ports and gateways
Sea ports and airports
we ship to from Dubai.
Every bill of lading carries two ports: where the cargo loads, and where it discharges. We load at Jebel Ali or another UAE port. Kenya has two sea ports we use and three airports. They suit different cargo and different inland legs, so the loading port and the discharge port are worth choosing separately.
POLPort of loading
We collect anywhere in the UAE, free zones included, and load at whichever of these eight suits the cargo.
- Jebel AliAEJEA
- Port RashidAEPRA
- Khalifa PortAEKHL
- Zayed PortAEAUH
- Port KhalidAESHJ
- Khor FakkanAEKLF
- Port of FujairahAEFJR
- Ajman PortAEAJM
PODPort of discharge
The right one is whichever leaves the shortest inland leg to your delivery address. On a long lane that leg is a shipment in its own right, so it is planned rather than assumed.
- Mombasa (Kilindini)KEMBASea port · Indian OceanKenya, and the head of the Northern Corridor into Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the eastern DRC
How cargo reaches Mombasa (Kilindini)
Shipping from Dubai to Mombasa can use an accepted Indian Ocean container booking into Kilindini after a live Upper Gulf safe passage check. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Lamu is the specialist northern alternative, while Mombasa provides the established national and Northern Corridor gateway. The quote combines ocean freight, any relay, port handling, customs transit, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Mombasa (Kilindini) - LamuKELAMSea port · Indian OceanNorthern Kenya, and the LAPSSET corridor toward South Sudan and Ethiopia
How cargo reaches Lamu
Shipping from Dubai to Lamu needs a specialist vessel and port booking, because a dependable regular container service is not established. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Mombasa is the practical alternative for routine containers, while Lamu may suit approved northern or project cargo. The quote combines ocean freight, any relay, port handling, customs transit, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Lamu - Jomo Kenyatta International, NairobiNBOAirportNairobi, and onward feeders across East Africa
How cargo reaches Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi
Air freight from Dubai to Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi can use accepted nonstop or connecting belly and freighter capacity, subject to commodity and space approval. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Moi is the coastal alternative, while Jomo Kenyatta provides the strongest Nairobi and regional feeder reach. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi - Moi International, MombasaMBAAirportThe coast, alongside the sea gateway
How cargo reaches Moi International, Mombasa
Air freight from Dubai to Moi International, Mombasa can use accepted connecting or occasional direct capacity, with cargo handling confirmed for the flight. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Jomo Kenyatta is the alternative for broader uplift, while Moi reduces the road leg to the coast. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Moi International, Mombasa - Eldoret InternationalEDLAirportThe Rift Valley, and the horticulture export belt
How cargo reaches Eldoret International
Air freight from Dubai to Eldoret International can use a connection through Nairobi or another approved hub, with the domestic or through cargo handoff confirmed. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Jomo Kenyatta is the alternative for broader international uplift, while Eldoret is closer to the Rift Valley. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Eldoret International - Nairobi Inland Container Depot (Embakasi)KENBODry portNairobi. Containers rail up from Mombasa on the standard gauge line and clear inland
How cargo reaches Nairobi Inland Container Depot (Embakasi)
Shipping from Dubai to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot can enter through Mombasa, then move by booked rail to Embakasi under the selected customs arrangement. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Mombasa port side clearance is the alternative when the Nairobi rail move does not improve the final delivery. The quote combines ocean freight, port and inland terminal handling, rail or road transfer, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Nairobi Inland Container Depot (Embakasi) - Naivasha Inland Container DepotDry portThe Rift Valley, and the road transfer point for Uganda and Rwanda
How cargo reaches Naivasha Inland Container Depot
Shipping from Dubai to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot can enter through Mombasa, then move by booked rail to Naivasha for Rift Valley delivery or road transfer toward transit markets. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. The Nairobi depot is the alternative for capital area cargo, while Naivasha is closer to the western road corridors. The quote combines ocean freight, port and inland terminal handling, rail or road transfer, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Naivasha Inland Container Depot - Busia land portLand borderThe Uganda border on the Northern Corridor
How cargo reaches Busia land port
Shipping from Dubai to Busia land port can enter Kenya through Mombasa, then continue under transit by road to Busia for Uganda. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Malaba is the main Northern Corridor alternative, while Busia may suit western Kenya routing. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, clearance, insurance and final delivery. Get a rate for Busia land port - Malaba land portLand borderThe main Uganda crossing, and the rail interchange
How cargo reaches Malaba land port
Shipping from Dubai to Malaba land port can enter Kenya through Mombasa, then continue by rail or road to Malaba for Uganda. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Busia is the alternative when congestion or the final Ugandan destination favours the southern crossing. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, clearance, insurance and final delivery. Get a rate for Malaba land port - Namanga land portLand borderThe Tanzania border on the Nairobi–Arusha road
How cargo reaches Namanga land port
Shipping from Dubai to Namanga land port can reach Nairobi or Mombasa first, then continue by approved road transit to Namanga for Tanzania. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Tanzanian sea entry through Tanga is the alternative when the Kenya road corridor adds no value. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, clearance, insurance and final delivery. Get a rate for Namanga land port - Moyale land portLand borderThe Ethiopia border in the far north
How cargo reaches Moyale land port
Shipping from Dubai to Moyale land port can reach Nairobi or Mombasa first, then continue by approved road transit to Moyale for Ethiopia. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Doraleh is the main alternative for most Ethiopian seaborne cargo. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, clearance, insurance and final delivery. Get a rate for Moyale land port
- Mombasa (Kilindini)KEMBASea port · Indian OceanKenya, and the head of the Northern Corridor into Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the eastern DRC
Before you ship
Import rules
for Kenya.
Kenya checks products before they arrive, and we arrange it with you. Regulated goods need a certificate called a PVoC Certificate of Conformity, and it is issued here in Dubai after the goods are checked, before your shipment leaves. It covers things like electrical goods, building materials, toys, food and car parts. Plenty of products do not need one at all. The important part is the timing: the check happens in Dubai, so it cannot be sorted out after the goods have sailed. Tell us what you are sending and we will check whether yours needs it and get it started for you.
Documentation
Documents you need
for Kenya.
These 7 cover most shipments to Kenya. The exact list depends on the commodity and its HS code, so send us both and we confirm what applies before the cargo is booked.
- 01Invoice showing what you paid for the goods
- 02Packing list showing what is inside
- 03Certificate of origin showing where the goods were made
- 04Bill of lading or air waybill, which is the shipping ticket
- 05Dubai export paper, which we do for you
- 06Certificate of Conformity, which we arrange in Dubai if your product needs one
- 07The Kenyan buyer PIN and import declaration
Get the paperwork right in Dubai and clearance at destination is routine. Fixing a document after arrival is slow, and storage accrues the whole time it takes.
How it works
Dubai to Kenya
shipping, step by step.
Send the cargo details: what it is, where it is going, rough weight and dimensions. We come back with the routes that suit it, sea against air, and a written rate with a validity date on it. You pick one, we book it, and one coordinator stays with the shipment until it is delivered in Kenya.
- 01
Send the details
Tell us what you are sending, how heavy it is, how big it is, and where in Kenya it goes.
- 02
Get a price
We send you a price in writing, with every charge shown. No surprises later.
- 03
We check and ship
We arrange the certificate if you need one, then collect, load and handle the papers at both ends.
- 04
We deliver
We track the shipment and keep you updated all the way, then bring the goods to your door.
Questions
Cargo to Kenya
questions, answered.
The 15 we are asked most on the Dubai to Kenya route. If yours is not here, send it with the commodity and we will answer it directly.
Do you offer movers and packers for a house move from Dubai to Kenya?
Yes. Our movers and packers do the packing, wrapping and listing, then we ship your furniture and household goods in a full container, or share one if you have less to send. The item by item list matters, because customs clear personal effects against it. Fuel, gas cylinders, paint, aerosols and loose batteries cannot travel, and we give you the full list before packing day.
How long does shipping from Dubai to Kenya take?
About 7 to 18 days by sea to Mombasa, and 2 to 6 days by air. Add a few days for customs and the trip inland to your city. We give you a date in writing when we quote.
How much does shipping from Dubai to Kenya cost?
It depends on what you send, how big it is, and where in Kenya it is going. We do not publish prices because every shipment is different. Sea freight to Kenya is priced per container when you fill one, and per cubic metre when you share one. Air freight to Kenya is priced on weight or size, whichever is greater. Send us the details and we send you a price in writing, usually the same day.
Which cities in Kenya do you deliver to?
All of them. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, Malindi, Machakos, Nyeri, Meru and Kitale. Just give us the address and we bring it to the door.
Which Kenyan ports do you ship to?
Mombasa handles almost all sea cargo and it is the biggest port in East Africa. Lamu is newer and smaller. By air we fly into Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret.
Can my goods clear in Nairobi instead of Mombasa?
Yes, and it is usually better. Cargo travels up from Mombasa by train to the inland depot at Nairobi and clears there, close to you. That keeps it out of the Mombasa yard and the road traffic.
Do you deliver door to door?
Yes. We handle freight forwarding to Kenya door to door. We collect the goods in Dubai, move them, clear them through customs, and bring them to your address. You deal with one company for the whole journey.
Can I send a small shipment, or do I need a full container?
You can send as little as one box or one pallet. We put small shipments from different customers into one shared container. This is called LCL, or less than container load. Your goods load at Jebel Ali and come into Mombasa (Kilindini). When you have more goods, you move up to your own full container, which is called FCL. We will tell you which one is cheaper.
Can you ship a car from Dubai to Kenya?
Yes, in a container or on a roll-on roll-off vessel. Kenya has an age limit on used cars and they must be right hand drive. Send us the make, model, year and chassis number and we will check before you buy.
What is a Certificate of Conformity?
It shows your product meets Kenyan standards. It is issued here in Dubai after the goods are checked, before they sail. Many products do not need one. Tell us the product and we will check for you.
What happens if goods arrive without it?
They are held, and it cannot be fixed afterwards, because the check has to happen in Dubai before the goods leave. That is why we sort it out at booking.
Do you handle customs clearance in Kenya?
Yes, at both ends. We handle customs clearance in Dubai and customs clearance in Kenya. You do not need to find your own clearing agent.
Can you collect the goods from my supplier in Dubai?
Yes. We collect anywhere in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE. We can also hold your goods in warehousing and storage in Dubai until you are ready to ship. That helps when you are buying from several suppliers and want everything to travel to Mombasa (Kilindini) in one container.
Can you deliver to Uganda, Rwanda or South Sudan through Mombasa?
Yes. Mombasa is the gateway for the whole region and cargo moves inland under bond. It is a different shipment from a Kenyan import, so tell us the final country at the start.
Can you ship machinery and heavy equipment to Kenya?
Yes. We move project cargo to Kenya as well. Big, heavy items go in open top or flat rack containers, or loose on the ship into Mombasa (Kilindini). Send us the size and weight and we will work out the best way to move it.
Ready to ship from Dubai
to Kenya?
Send the commodity and its HS code, the weight and dimensions, and the delivery address. We confirm what Kenya checks before you ship, then the routing options, then a written rate with a validity date on it.
- Written rates
- One coordinator
- Customs handled in house
- UAE-wide collection
