How to confirm if a clearing agent is verified by KIFWA
To confirm whether a clearing agent is genuinely verified by KIFWA (Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association), you need to understand one key point first:
KIFWA is an industry membership body, not a government licensing authority. So “KIFWA verified” really means the company is an active, registered member of the association, in addition to being licensed by KRA.
1. Contact KIFWA directly for verification
The most reliable method is to contact the KIFWA secretariat and ask them to confirm the company’s membership status.
KIFWA has official offices in both Nairobi and Mombasa:
KIFWA Nairobi (ICD Embakasi)
Agents Block, Ground Floor, Off Mombasa Road
P.O. Box 57969-00200, Nairobi
Tel: +254 20 202 6188 / +254 738 271 219
Email: info@kifwa.co.ke
KIFWA Mombasa Office
Mombasa Trade Centre, 3rd Floor (Nkurumah Road / Mikindani Street)
P.O. Box 99708-80107, Mombasa
Mobile: +254 706 217 445
Email: infomsa@kifwa.co.ke
You can provide the company name and request confirmation of whether they are an active member in good standing.
2. Ask the clearing agent for proof of membership
A genuine KIFWA-registered clearing agent will always be able to provide:
- Valid KIFWA membership certificate
- Membership number or registration ID
- Proof of annual renewal payment
- Business name matching KIFWA records
If they hesitate or cannot provide documentation, that is a red flag.
3. Cross-check with KRA customs licensing
Even if a company is KIFWA-registered, it must also be licensed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to legally clear cargo.
So you should always verify both:
- ✔ KIFWA membership (industry recognition)
- ✔ KRA customs agent licence (legal authority to clear goods)
A legitimate clearing agent will have both.
4. Check physical presence and operations
Real KIFWA members typically operate at:
- Mombasa Port
- Nairobi ICD (Embakasi)
- JKIA cargo terminals
- Licensed warehouses or CFS facilities
If a company claims membership but has no traceable office or presence at these locations, it should be treated cautiously.
5. Use industry reputation as an additional check
KIFWA is widely recognized in the logistics industry, and members are often also linked with regional freight networks such as FEAFFA and FIATA. This means reputable members usually have:
- Established freight forwarding operations
- Traceable trade history
- Presence in official logistics directories
- Known physical offices in Kenya
6. Warning signs of fake “KIFWA verification”
Be careful if:
- The agent only claims KIFWA membership but shows no proof
- They refuse to give registration details
- They operate without a physical office
- They cannot explain customs clearance procedures
- They avoid KRA licence verification
These are common indicators of unverified or informal brokers.
Abdi Haji contact
+44 7487 554202