Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Kenya to the United States

The Kenya-United States trade relationship is a cornerstone of broad economic ties between Africa and North America. The partnership is dynamic, with over $722 million worth of goods exported from Kenya to the United States in 2022. The commodities are also diverse, with the top shipments consisting of suits, titanium ore, and coffee. 

If you need to ship goods from Kenya to the United States, here’s your complete guide, shipping options, and more. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Kenya to the United States?

Your options for shipping goods from Kenya to the United States are ocean and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Kenya to the United States

Ocean freight is the cheapest and most flexible way to ship goods from Kenya to the United States. It can accommodate any type of commodity and offers shippers two options for container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is for shippers of small cargo. Their goods will be consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers and shipped together in one container. Each shipper only pays for their cargo's space, making it economical for small shipments. 

FCL is for those having larger shipments. They rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, which gives them control and security for their cargo. Although more expensive than LCL, FCL can provide good value for money if the space inside the container is maximized. 

Air Freight from Kenya to the United States

Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from Kenya to the United States, but it is also the most expensive. Shippers like it because of its speed and security, with strict airport processes and regulations ensuring cargo safety while in transit. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Kenya to the United States?

The cost of shipping goods from Kenya to the United States will depend on the following: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below also shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the Kenya to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Kenya to the United States?

The transit time for goods shipped from Kenya to the United States is mainly determined by your selected international shipping method. However, other influencing factors include:

• The season of shipment (peak or low season)
• Whether the shipment route is direct or not
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Possible incidents at any port

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Kenya to the United States?

Ocean freight from Kenya to the United States can take up to 50 days. This can be longer or shorter depending on the season.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Kenya to the United States?

Air freight from Kenya to the United States only takes 2-8 days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Kenya and the United States

When your goods arrive in the U.S., they will go through the customs clearance process, for which you need to prepare and submit the following paperwork: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

Check out our full documents list for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, you should consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. Here are some pointers to help you decide. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal for shipping on a budget or requiring flexibility. It can accommodate any type of goods you need to get to the U.S. and even offers you two options for container shipping. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

Choose LCL if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

You might be better off shipping via FCL if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you need your cargo to arrive in the United States quickly, you should ship by air. Air freight is the fastest way to get your goods from Kenya to the U.S., making it ideal for time-sensitive or perishable shipments. Thanks to stricter airport processes that guarantee cargo security, it's also good for high-value cargo. 

However, remember that air freight can become significantly more expensive than ocean freight. It also has strict limitations on what you can and cannot ship and the weight, size, and volume of these. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Kenya

Port of Mombasa

The Port of Mombasa is located on the African Coast. It is the premier port of Kenya and the largest and busiest port in East Africa. The port handles over 2.65 million TEUs per year and is an important maritime gateway for the central and eastern African regions. 

Port Reitz

Port Reitz is located in Mombasa, northwest Kenya. It used to be one of the country’s most flourishing facilities but later declined in quality due to a lack of maintenance. The port boasts container freight stations, vehicle yards, and garages. 

Port of Lamu

The Port of Lamu is located on Mada Bayat. It features a 10km shoreline that can house 23 berths. It boasts the latest infrastructure, including container freight stations, a refinery, storage tanks, and a railway terminal. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is hailed as “America’s Port.” It’s the largest port in North America and a bustling gateway, handling 20% of all incoming cargo for the U.S. The port has 25 cargo terminals occupying 7,500 acres of land. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is a major trade gateway that ranks 21st among the busiest container ports in the world. It is popular for its eco-friendly practices and has the capacity to handle a wide range of cargo. 

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is the busiest in the United States by foreign waterborne tonnage. It drives economic growth in the Gulf Coast. The port has an extensive terminal network to manage diverse cargo types. It mainly handles petroleum products. 

Air Freight from Kenya to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located in Nairobi, Kenya's capital and largest city. It is a hub for  Kenya Airways, Jambojet, African Express Airways, and more. 

Kisumu International Airport

The Kisumu International Airport is located in the third-largest city in Kenya, Kisumu. It is the third-busiest airport in Kenya, the fourth international airport in the country, and the busiest airport in Kenya, west of Nairobi.

Moi International Airport 

The Moi International Airport is located in Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya. It used to rank as one of the best airports in Africa. It’s a hub for Jambojet, Blue Sky Aviation Services, and African Safari Airways.

Airports of arrival in the United States

Newark Liberty International Airport

The Newark Liberty International Airport is located between Newark in Essex County and Elizabeth in Union County in the state of New Jersey, United States. It is a hub for United Airlines, JetBlue, Continental Airlines, and more. 

Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia International Airport is the primary airport that serves Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. It is the 21st busiest airport in the U.S. It is a hub for American Airlines, US Airways, PSA Airlines, and more. 

San Bernardino International Airport

The San Bernardino International Airport is two miles southeast of downtown San Bernardino in California, United States. It spans 1,329 acres of land and boasts a large runway to accommodate the biggest existing aircraft.