Shipping container to Kenya from UK

Shipping a container from the UK to Kenya is one of the most cost-effective ways to transport household goods, commercial cargo, machinery, vehicles, construction materials, and large consignments. Most containers are shipped from major UK ports such as Tilbury, Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, and Liverpool to the Port of Mombasa, Kenya’s main seaport.

Container Shipping Options

20ft Container

A 20ft container is suitable for:

• Household relocations
• Small business imports
• Machinery and equipment
• Personal effects

Typical capacity:

• Approximately 33 cubic metres (CBM)
• Maximum payload around 28 tonnes depending on cargo type

40ft Container

A 40ft container is ideal for:

• Commercial stock
• Large household moves
• Wholesale imports
• Industrial equipment

Typical capacity:

• Approximately 67 CBM
• Nearly double the storage space of a 20ft container

40ft High Cube Container

A High Cube container provides additional height and is commonly used for:

• Bulky cargo
• Furniture
• Lightweight but voluminous goods
• Commercial inventory

How Much Does a Container Cost to Ship?

Typical freight rates fluctuate throughout the year, but as a general guide:

• 20ft container: approximately £2,500–£5,500+
• 40ft container: approximately £4,000–£8,500+
• 40ft High Cube: slightly higher than a standard 40ft container

Actual pricing depends on:

• Departure port
• Shipping line
• Fuel surcharges
• Cargo type
• Seasonal demand
• Customs requirements
• Inland delivery requirements

How Long Does Shipping Take?

Typical transit times from the UK to Kenya are:

• UK to Mombasa Port: 25–45 days
• Customs clearance: several days depending on documentation
• Delivery to Nairobi or other inland destinations: additional transport time

Transit times may vary due to vessel schedules, weather conditions, transshipment arrangements, and port congestion.

Full Container Load (FCL) vs Less than Container Load (LCL)

FCL – Full Container Load

Recommended when:

• You have enough cargo to fill most of a container.
• You require maximum security.
• You want faster cargo handling.

LCL – Less than Container Load

Recommended when:

• Your shipment is too small for a full container.
• You want to share container space with other customers.
• You wish to reduce shipping costs.

Documents Required

Most container shipments require:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Import Declaration documentation
• KRA PIN (for imports into Kenya)
• Applicable permits where required
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for regulated goods

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides ocean freight, importers should budget for:

• Customs duties and taxes
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF)
• Railway Development Levy (RDL)
• Port handling charges
• Clearing agent fees
• Inland transport
• Marine insurance
• Storage and demurrage charges if delayed

Can You Ship Household Goods in a Container?

Yes. Many Kenyans relocating from the UK use containers to transport:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Kitchen equipment
• Personal effects
• Business inventory

The most suitable option depends on the volume of goods being shipped and whether a full container or shared container service is required.

Why Choose Container Shipping?

Container shipping offers:

• Lower cost per cubic metre
• Better protection for cargo
• Suitable transport for large shipments
• Flexible options for commercial and personal cargo
• Access to door-to-door delivery services

For more information or a detailed explanation, please call or WhatsApp

Abdi Haji at +44 7487 554202