Kenya applies the East African Community common external tariff: 0% for raw materials, 10% for intermediate goods, 25% for most finished goods and 35% for some sensitive goods. On top come 16% VAT, the Import Declaration Fee and the 2% Railway Development Levy. Regulated products need a KEBS certificate of conformity, issued after inspection in India before shipment.
Who can import into Kenya
Importers register with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA PIN) and declare goods through the KRA customs system and the KenTrade single window, usually through a licensed clearing agent.
Duty and taxes
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Raw materials | 0% |
| Intermediate goods | 10% |
| Most finished goods | 25% |
| Some sensitive goods | 35% or more |
| VAT | 16% standard rate |
| Other charges | Import Declaration Fee and 2% Railway Development Levy |
India has no free trade agreement with Kenya, so Indian goods pay these rates. Rates change with each year's Finance Act and EAC budget, so check your HS code with your clearing agent before agreeing a price.
PVoC: inspection before the goods leave India
Products under the KEBS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme must be inspected and tested before shipment by an agency appointed by KEBS, which then issues a Certificate of Conformity. Goods that arrive without it can be refused, fined or tested again at your cost. Tell your Indian supplier at the quote stage that the order needs PVoC, so inspection is planned into the delivery date.
Documents to ask the Indian exporter for
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- KEBS PVoC Certificate of Conformity for regulated goods
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary or health certificate for food and agricultural goods
- The exporter's IEC and GST details
What Kenya buys most from India
Pharmaceuticals, rice, sugar, engineering goods and machinery, vehicles and auto parts, iron and steel products, plastics, garments and fabrics. Many Nairobi and Mombasa buyers also supply Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty from India to Kenya?
Kenya uses the EAC common external tariff: 0% for raw materials, 10% for intermediate goods, 25% for most finished goods and 35% for some sensitive goods, plus 16% VAT, the Import Declaration Fee and a 2% Railway Development Levy.
Do I need a PVoC certificate to import from India to Kenya?
Yes, for products covered by the KEBS PVoC programme. The goods are inspected in India before shipment and a Certificate of Conformity is issued.
How do I find genuine Indian suppliers for Kenya?
Post your requirement on BuyGenix for free. Our team reviews it and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters who can arrange PVoC inspection.
How BuyGenix helps buyers in Kenya
Post what you want to buy, with quantity and target price, for free. Our team reviews every requirement and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters, so you get a few serious quotes instead of a flood of messages. We check that the supplier holds an active IEC and GST registration and help them prepare the Certificate of Origin and the documents your customs needs. See live demand from your market on buyers in Kenya.
Sourcing from India? Post your requirement, free
BuyGenix Solutions verifies Indian suppliers, prepares compliant export documentation, and helps businesses in Kenya source from India with confidence. Tell us the product and quantity you need, and our team connects you with suitable Indian suppliers.
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