How Many Free Storage Days Does KPA Grant for a Large Multi-Container Commercial Shipment from the UK?

Businesses importing multiple containers from the United Kingdom often assume that larger shipments receive additional free storage time at the Port of Mombasa. However, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) generally applies the same storage rules regardless of whether the importer is bringing in one container or an entire multi-container commercial consignment.

The free storage period is normally calculated per container and not based on the overall size of the shipment. (Kenya Ports Authority)

Free Storage Period for Domestic Import Containers

Under the current KPA tariff schedule, domestic import containers at the Port of Mombasa receive:

First 5 consecutive days – Free storage
Storage charges begin from the 6th day onward if the container remains within the terminal. (Kenya Ports Authority)

This rule applies to:

Single-container shipments
Multiple-container shipments
Full container load (FCL) cargo
Large commercial imports from the UK

KPA does not normally grant additional free days simply because an importer has several containers arriving together. (Kenya Ports Authority)

Example: Five Containers from London

If a company imports:

Five 20ft containers, or
Five 40ft containers

each container generally receives the same 5-day free storage allowance.

The free period does not become 25 days because there are five containers. Instead, the 5-day allowance applies separately to each container. (Kenya Ports Authority)

Storage Charges After Free Days Expire

Once the free period ends, KPA storage charges begin accumulating daily.

For import containers:

Period	20ft Container	40ft Container
Days 1–5	Free	Free
Days 6–21	USD 30/day	USD 60/day
After Day 21	USD 50/day	USD 100/day

These charges apply per container. (Kenya Ports Authority)

Multi-Container Cost Exposure

For example, if five 40ft containers remain in the port after the free period:

USD 60 × 5 containers = USD 300 per day (Days 6–21)
USD 100 × 5 containers = USD 500 per day (After Day 21)

These figures represent storage charges only and do not include shipping-line demurrage. (Kenya Ports Authority)

Are Special Extensions Available?

KPA has occasionally introduced promotional or temporary extensions of free storage periods during special circumstances such as operational disruptions or business promotion programs. However, these are temporary measures and should not be relied upon for normal commercial planning. (FREIGHT LOGISTICS MAGAZINE)

Importers should always confirm the applicable tariff and free-storage policy before shipment arrival.

Demurrage Is Separate

Importers should remember that:

KPA storage charges are imposed by the port.
Demurrage charges are imposed by the shipping line.

A delayed UK shipment may incur both charges simultaneously once the relevant free periods expire. This can substantially increase overall logistics costs. (Kenya Ports Authority)

How to Avoid Storage Charges

Before the shipment arrives:

Process the Import Declaration Form (IDF).
Obtain required Certificates of Conformity (CoC).
Prepare customs documentation early.
Arrange customs clearance in advance.
Monitor vessel arrival schedules.
Pay duties and taxes promptly.

Efficient customs clearance is the most effective way to avoid costly storage fees.

Why Many Importers Choose UK World Cargo

UK World Cargo has become a trusted logistics partner for businesses importing cargo from the United Kingdom to Kenya.

Their services include:

Container shipping
Commercial cargo shipping
Air freight services
Sea freight services
Cargo consolidation
Export documentation support
Customs clearance guidance
Door-to-door delivery services

Their experienced team assists customers throughout the shipping process, helping ensure cargo is properly documented and cleared efficiently.

Final Thoughts

For most commercial shipments arriving from the UK, KPA currently grants 5 free storage days per import container at the Port of Mombasa. The same rule generally applies whether the importer has one container or a large multi-container shipment. Once the free period expires, storage charges accrue separately for each container, making prompt customs clearance essential for controlling import costs. (Kenya Ports Authority)

For container shipping, commercial cargo shipping, air freight, sea freight, cargo consolidation, customs clearance guidance, and door-to-door delivery from the UK to Kenya, contact:

UK World Cargo

Abdi Haji
📞 +44 7487 554202
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7487 554202

How Many Free Storage Days Does KPA Grant for a Large Multi-Container Commercial Shipment from the UK?