Exporting From Kenya

Kenya is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, playing an increasingly substantial role in the global state. The country’s rapidly increasing middle class represents a tougher labor pool and more purchasing power than ever before. 

Are you one of those planning to export goods from Kenya? Then it’s essential to be aware that Kenya operates mandatory Conformity Assessment Programmes implemented to guarantee that dangerous goods and those of poor quality don’t enter or leave their markets.

Kenya’s economy has a solid plan for future advancement and a strong focus on technology development, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure construction. With this plan, the country provides promising prospects for exporters from across the globe to trade with Kenya and East Africa.

The Documents You Need When Exporting from Kenya

To start your exporting endeavor in Kenya, you need to gather the following documents:

Bill of lading

A bill of lading refers to the document outlining the details of the goods being shipped to process the invoice and freight shipment efficiently.

Certificate of origin

A certificate of origin is an international document declaring that goods have been produced, manufactured, and obtained from a specific country of origin. 

Airway bill

This is the receipt of the goods carriers receive and the contract of carriage between the carrier and shipper. It also certifies that the carrier has received the goods you have listed.

An airway bill also proves that the carrier is responsible for handling the goods to their designated destination.

Sales Contract, Invoices and Purchase Orders

The exporter needs a sales contract, invoices or purchase orders stating the goods to be sold, the terms of sale and the price to be paid.

Insurance policy certificate

Insurance policy certificate safeguards the goods against damage or loss while in transit. In other words, it offers information on the goods’ insurance coverage.

Packing list

Just as the name implies, a packing list refers to a document listing all the packaging details of the shipment.

Pre-shipment inspection certificates

This document refers to the document certifying that the goods in question have been passed through inspection and adhere to the sales contract terms. 

On top of that, certain government institutions require the Kenya Competent Authorities (KCA) on phytosanitary and sanitary to certify the quality and safety of goods to be exported to their nations. 

Those competent authorities include the Kenya Bureau of Standards (manufactured goods), Department of Veterinary Services (animal goods), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (for phytosanitary certification), Kenya Trade Network Agency (platform for the facilitation of trade services) Ministry of Health (for public health on food products), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (membership-based trade support institution), Kenya Revenue Authority (customs clearance of export cargo) and Department of Fisheries (for fish goods).

Choose the Products You Want to Export

Before you start an export business in Kenya, you must first determine the type of export business you wish to establish.

The following are some of the best export goods in Kenya:

Tea 

Tea is a major export in the country and is a major foreign exchange. The country was considered the biggest exporter of black tea in 2018. 

Cut flowers

The horticulture industry in the country contributes to about twenty percent of the nation’s total GDP. Kenya annually exports at least 150 billion Kenyan shillings’ worth of cut flowers.

Coffee

Kenya exports about 1.76 billion Kenyan shillings’ worth of processed coffee yearly. Countries that import Kenyan coffee include the USA, Romania, the UK, Finland, Norway, Australia, South Korea, Sweden, Belgium, and Germany.

Textiles

The country has also been exporting textiles to other nations for many decades, such as China, Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and the US.

Tobacco

Kenya’s export of tobacco and manufactured substitutes was $154.69 in 2020.

Other popular export goods in Kenya are Refined Petroleum, Gold, iron and steel products, and cement. 

Register Your Export Business

After you have done the proper research and identified that it’s a viable option to begin an export business, it is time to make it official.

Depending on the scale and size of your export business, you will need to register with the government. You may also need to file for foreign qualifications and acquire the proper licenses.

Your Shipping Options

You also need to consider the availability of transport infrastructure when exporting from Kenya. As Central and East Africa’s biggest economy, Kenya has a comprehensive network of infrastructure that connects different parts of the region and links it to other regions, including:

              Airports

There are four international airports in Kenya. Their government implemented numerous policies to guarantee business process automation, expansion of cargo facilities, infrastructure development, and publicity of its airports. 

Seaports

The Kenya Ports Authority is responsible for keeping regulations in the country’s seaports on the Indian Ocean. Due to the immense pressure on the port, the Kenyan government has designated many development projects to boost the port’s capacity. 

Road and Rail Infrastructures 

There are paved and unpaved roads extending across Kenya’s considerably vast landmass. Likewise, the country’s railway system links to different seaports and airports.

Getting Help to Start an Export Business

When you start an export business, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that you are following the proper protocols and that you comply with customs enforcement and government agencies. As the exporter of record, you are fully responsible for your business and the goods you are trading.

We hope you find this post informative and helpful at the same time. We wish you the best of luck!