You finally found that laptop or phone your relative abroad promised, but now the real headache begins. How do you send it without it getting stuck at KRA or disappearing into thin air? Pole, the struggle is real.
This guide breaks down the entire process into clear, simple steps. From choosing the right courier to handling customs clearance, you will know exactly what to do and it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare everything properly.
What You Need Before You Start
- Original Purchase Receipt or Proforma Invoice: KRA needs proof of value to calculate import duty. Without it, they use their own valuation, which is usually higher. Get this from the seller.
- Your Kenyan ID or KRA PIN: You need this for customs clearance. If you are clearing goods yourself, have your KRA PIN ready. Apply online at iTax if you don’t have one.
- The IMEI Number (For Phones and Tablets): KRA now requires IMEI registration for all mobile devices. Ask the sender to write it on the package or send it to you separately. This prevents blocking by the Communications Authority.
- Shipping and Handling Fees (Estimate): Expect to pay between KES 3,000 and KES 15,000 for courier shipping, depending on weight and speed. Budget an extra KES 1,500 for local clearance agent fees if you use a service like Aquantuo or similar.
- Customs Duty and VAT (Estimate): Import duty on electronics is typically 0% to 25%, plus 16% VAT on the total value. For a laptop worth KES 80,000, expect to pay around KES 12,800 in taxes. Use the iTax SIMBA system to calculate exact figures.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Electronics to Kenya from Abroad in Kenya
Follow these seven steps, and you can have your electronics cleared and delivered within 5 to 10 working days.
-
Step 1: Confirm the electronics are allowed into Kenya
Check if your item is restricted. Used electronics are generally fine, but items like walkie-talkies or drones require a Communications Authority permit. Visit the CA Kenya website to verify before shipping.
-
Step 2: Ask the sender to use a reliable courier with a local partner
Use couriers like DHL, FedEx, or Aquantuo that have a local office in Nairobi. Avoid postal services for electronics. The courier must offer door-to-door delivery with customs clearance included.
-
Step 3: Prepare the customs documents before the package arrives
Get the proforma invoice or purchase receipt from the sender. Have your KRA PIN ready. If it is a phone, ask for the IMEI number. Without these, your package will be held at the airport.
-
Step 4: Track the package and receive the pre-arrival notification
Once the courier receives the package, they will send you a tracking number. Monitor it on the courier’s website. When it lands in Nairobi, the courier will contact you to start the clearance process.
-
Step 5: Submit the customs declaration via the courier or iTax SIMBA
Your courier will guide you. For self-clearance, log in to iTax SIMBA and file an import declaration. The courier usually handles this for you, but you must provide the documents. This step takes about 30 minutes online.
-
Step 6: Pay the import duty and VAT at a KRA-accredited bank or via M-Pesa
KRA will issue a payment slip. Pay the duty and 16% VAT at any KRA-accredited bank or via M-Pesa PayBill number 222222. Keep the receipt. Fees vary, but expect around KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 for a mid-range laptop.
-
Step 7: Collect your package or have it delivered to your doorstep
After payment, the courier will release the package. Most couriers deliver to your home or office within 1 to 2 days after clearance. Inspect the item immediately for damage before signing.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Package stuck at JKIA customs for weeks
This usually happens when the courier has not submitted your documents to KRA. Call the courier’s local office in Nairobi directly. If they are slow, visit the KRA Customs Office at JKIA Cargo Centre with your tracking number and ID. Do not wait for them to call you.
KRA values the item higher than what you paid
If the receipt is missing or unclear, KRA uses their own valuation, which is always higher. To fix this, provide a clear original receipt or a screenshot of the online payment. If they still overvalue it, file a valuation objection via iTax SIMBA within 14 days.
Phone or tablet gets blocked by the Communications Authority
This happens when the IMEI number is not registered during clearance. To avoid this, ensure the sender writes the IMEI on the package. If it is already blocked, visit a Communications Authority of Kenya office with the phone and receipt to unregister it. The process takes about one hour.
Courier demands extra “clearance fees” after delivery
Some agents add hidden charges. Before shipping, ask the courier for a written breakdown of all fees including taxes. If they demand extra, refuse and contact KRA Customs hotline on 020 281 5000 to confirm the correct charges. Do not pay anything without a KRA receipt.
Cost and Timeline for How to Send Electronics to Kenya from Abroad in Kenya
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs and timelines you should expect when sending electronics to Kenya. These figures are based on standard courier services and KRA rates for a mid-range laptop valued at around KES 80,000.
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| International courier shipping (e.g. DHL, FedEx) | 5,000 – 15,000 | 3 – 7 working days |
| Import duty (0% – 25% of value) | 0 – 20,000 | Paid upon arrival |
| VAT (16% of value plus duty) | ~12,800 | Paid upon arrival |
| Courier clearance fee (local agent) | 1,500 – 3,000 | 1 – 2 working days |
| Storage fees at JKIA (if delayed) | 500 per day after 48 hours | Varies |
Most items clear customs within 2 to 4 working days after arrival. Costs do not differ by county since all international shipments go through JKIA or Mombasa port. One hidden cost Kenyans often miss is storage fees at the airport if you delay clearance beyond 48 hours. Also, if the courier does not include insurance, add another 2% to 3% of the item’s value for coverage against loss or damage.
The Bottom Line
Sending electronics to Kenya does not have to be a stressful experience. The secret is simple: prepare your documents before the package lands. Have your KRA PIN, receipt, and IMEI number ready, and choose a courier with a solid local presence. That one step saves you weeks of waiting.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who is expecting a package from abroad. Got a story about a package that got stuck? Drop it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Send Electronics to Kenya from Abroad in Kenya
Can I send a used phone to Kenya without paying tax?
No. All electronics entering Kenya, even used ones, are subject to import duty and 16% VAT. KRA values the item based on its current market price, not what you paid for it.
If the phone is for personal use, you can apply for a low-value waiver, but this is rarely approved for phones. Expect to pay duty regardless.
What happens if my package arrives and I do not have a KRA PIN?
The courier will not clear the package. It will sit at JKIA customs and accumulate storage fees of KES 500 per day after 48 hours. You must have a KRA PIN to proceed.
Apply for one instantly on the iTax website using your Kenyan ID. It takes about 10 minutes and is free of charge.
Which courier is best for sending electronics to Kenya from abroad?
DHL and FedEx are the most reliable because they have dedicated customs clearance teams in Nairobi. Aquantuo is also a good option for lower rates, but their process can be slower.
Avoid using postal services or small consolidators. They often lack proper customs handling, leading to delays and lost packages.
Can I send a drone or walkie-talkie to Kenya?
Yes, but you need a permit from the Communications Authority of Kenya before shipping. Without it, the item will be confiscated at customs and you may face a fine.
Apply for the permit at any CA Kenya office or through their website. The process takes about two weeks and costs around KES 1,000 for the application fee.
How long does it take for electronics to clear customs in Kenya?
If all documents are ready, clearance takes 2 to 4 working days. If documents are missing or KRA questions the value, it can take two weeks or more.
To speed things up, send the receipt, IMEI number, and KRA PIN to the courier immediately after the package is shipped. Do not wait for them to ask.
