Amazon to Kenya Shipping Guide: How to Shop on Amazon and Ship to Kenya Affordably
Table of Contents
Amazon Shopping and Shipping Introduction.
A cool story
This guy ships from Amazon to Kenya, so he explained…
The other day, on a late Friday afternoon, I was meeting with a friend at a local joint in Westlands, not too far from Kentex Cargo offices.
There were 4 guys at a table behind us catching some drinks and having a good time.
One guy had quite an amazing jacket others could not ignore to notice. I heard one person ask… where did you get such a nice jacket?
The guy responded… I got this from Amazon, with Kentex Cargo. I smiled and continued with my meeting, and stopped being nosey 😁
Amazon Quick Overview
✅ You can shop for anything you want from Amazon to Kenya
✅ Amazon accepts major credit and debit cards in Kenya
✅ Amazon accepts M-PESA global cards
✅ You can use assisted shopping (Shop & Ship) where we shop on your behalf.
✅ Amazon shopping is not in Kenya but Amazon web services have a data center in Kenya – not an e-commerce shopping center
✅ Amazon can ship to Kenya with third-party couriers but you have ti clear with KRA yourself, something you do not want to do.
✅ Your best option is to create a free shipping account with us and you never have to deal with customs in Kenya.
LETS GET STARTED
Create a free shipping account
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Shop on Amazon and Ship to Kenya
Step 1: Create an Amazon Account.
If you don’t already have one, go to Amazon.com and sign up. You’ll need an email address and a password to get started.
Step 2: Search for Products
Use the search bar to find what you need. Be sure to check whether the item is eligible for international shipping (Amazon Global). If not, don’t worry—there’s a workaround using Kentex Cargo.
Step 3: Check Shipping Eligibility
✅ Some items can be shipped directly to Kenya. You’ll see “Ships to Kenya” in the product description.
✅ For items that don’t qualify for direct shipping, you can use Kentex Cargo, which provides you with a U.S. address to ship your items before forwarding them to Kenya.
Step 4: Choose a Shipping Method
Option 1: Direct Shipping From Amazon
The cost varies depending on weight, size, and product category.
Amazon calculates import fees and customs charges at checkout.
Shipping times vary from 7 to 21 days.
- This method requires you to deal with KRA and there is no knowing the exact amount you’ll be accessed.
Option 2: Using Kentex Cargo (Best Alternative)
You get a U.S. shipping address to send your purchases to.
- You have sales-tax-free warehouse options with us to save you even more money.
Kentex Cargo consolidates your packages, making them cheaper.
No hidden costs – the shipping price is all-inclusive.
Fast delivery – packages arrive in 7-14 Business days by air freight or 75-90 days by sea freight.
Hassle-free customs clearance – no need to deal with KRA paperwork.
Step 5: Make Payment.
Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but does not accept M-Pesa directly.
However, you can use M-Pesa Global Pay, a virtual Visa card, to pay for your items.
Step 6: Track Your Shipment
If using Amazon Global Shipping, track your order under “My Orders.”
If using Kentex Cargo, you’ll receive tracking updates via text or email.
Step 7: Receive Your Package in Kenya
If shipped directly via Amazon, your package will arrive at the customs warehouse where you’ll go and clear.
If using Kentex Cargo, your package will be available for pickup at Westlands or home delivery.
Your shipping From Amazon Options
Amazon has become a global leader in the retail business – this is a widely known fact.
However, Amazon has yet to penetrate most countries, especially third-world countries like Kenya.
You have two options when shopping & shipping from Amazon to Kenya.
Assisted Purchase option:
💰 With the assisted purchase option, we do the shopping on your behalf.
💰 This option is especially helpful when you do not have a credit or debit card linked to your Amazon account.
Assisted purchase option benefits:
💰 We do all the purchasing, follow-up, and delivery of your packages. You just relax and wait for it
💰 You’re protected from online fraud. You can never lose your money in case the seller fails to deliver.
💰 Your packages are 100% insured and you cannot lose your money.
💰 We deliver exactly what you ordered. We inspect your packages on arrival to verify the quality, quantities, and specifications are exactly what you asked for.
💰We track packages on your behalf and send you real-time notifications.
Assisted Purchase Process Video
Shipping Only Option:
✅ If you are able to make your own purchases on Amazon or any other USA store without needing our assistance, you can use the shipping-only option.
✅ All that you require is our shipping address and your warehouse code, only assigned to the Kenyan side receiver. US residents do not get a warehouse code, only their receivers’ in Kenya do.
Shipping Only Option Benefits:
💰 Shop from any USA store at your own convenience. You can shop & ship whenever you want as long as you have our USA warehouse address.
💰 It is faster – if you can shop every time you need something without having to involve our staff, it cuts down processing time.
Shipping Only Process Video
Why should I shop on Amazon USA than anywhere else?
✅ Unlike marketplaces like eBay, Amazon has an obsession with product quality & authenticity, delivery speed, and exceptional customer service.
✅ Merchants selling on Amazon.com are vetted, product authenticity and manufacturing standards verified and vendor customer service and delivery speed are strictly enforced.
✅ With Amazon Prime, vendors are required to send their merchandise to Amazon local warehouses where Amazon logistics take care of super-fast delivery.
✅ Amazon distributes vendor’s goods to the closest warehouse where they can be delivered to the buyer, sometimes within a few hours.
- Amazon products are vetted for quality, authenticity, and good manufacturing practices.
- It is difficult to buy fake items on amazon. They work directly with original brands & manufacturers.
- Amazon has an amazing delivery speed & superb customer service ready to resolve your issues.
Calculating Shipping Cost
✅ Chargeable weight is determined by whichever is larger between actual weight and volumetric weight at $15/kg. This is a standard practice worldwide in all air cargo.
An Example of Volumetric Charge:
👉 In the scenario below the chargeable weight for this box is 9.9kg although the actual weight is 5kg. The total cost of shipping this box would be 9.9kg x $15 = $148.50
An Example of Actual Weight Charge:
👉 In situations where the actual weight is larger than the volumetric weight (commonest), your packages will be charged based on the actual weight.
👉 Assuming the box above the actual weight is 12kg, the actual weight is higher than the volume weight. In this case, your total shipping cost would be 12kg x $15 = $180
The commonest products shipped from Amazon to Kenya
✅ Gaming cards and gaming equipment. This is a hot item
✅ Smart unlocked phones. Second hottest item. Nokia Lumia, Sony Xperia & iPhone
✅ Switches, routers, and modems. Cisco almost exclusively
✅ Laptops, especially Apple, Asus, HP & Dell
✅ Books, especially for higher education. We ship a lot of books from Amazon
✅ Cosmetics of all kinds
✅ Shoes especially sports shoes
Does Amazon Prime work in Kenya?
Yes, it does.
✅ If you are a regular Amazon shopper, you should consider subscribing to Amazon Prime membership.
✅ It will cost you $12.99/month and Amazon business prime will cost you $69/year.
✅ If you do not shop several times a month on Amazon, you might think twice about those monthly payments.
How Long Does it Take to Deliver Amazon Shopping to Kenya?
✅ If Amazon shipped direct to you and you deal with KRA and customs, it takes approximately 10-21 business days.
✅ It takes 7-14 business days doe us to deliver and you do not have to deal with customs – we do that part for you – so you do not have to have a headache.
👉 This is from the date we receive your packages in our US warehouse to their arrival in Nairobi.
👉 Please note that non-Amazon Prime items purchased on Amazon always take longer to be delivered. It can take even up to a month to be delivered.
Avoid products not labelled as “Prime”, even though they seem cheaper.
Does Amazon Ship & deliver Goods to Kenya?
💰 Amazon does not ship to Kenya but third-party carriers do. For example, Amazon can ship to Kenya using third-party services like DHL or UPS.
💰 They are much more expensive compared to Kentex Cargo shipping and their rates do not include customs clearance.
💰 You will need to pay extra for customs clearance at the port of entry.
💰 You shouldn’t use their DHL/UPS method unless you are willing to pay up to 90% more than how much Kentex Cargo charges per kilo.
💰 Mainstream carriers like DHL have their own cargo aircraft and they can deliver within 5 business days. We can deliver within 7 business days at a 90% cheaper cost compared to DHL, UPS, and FedEx and our charges are inclusive of customs.
How do I import Amazon products to Kenya?
1️⃣ Create a free Kentex Cargo shipping account & get a free USA address.
2️⃣ Go on Amazon and add all the items you need in the cart and proceed to checkout
3️⃣ Use Kentex cargo warehouse address as your shipping address and complete your order on Amazon
4️⃣ Amazon will send you the tracking number in about 24-48 hours.
5️⃣ Log back into your Kentex Cargo account and add your tracking number.
🙌 We’ll receive your package and ship it to you in Kenya in 7-14 business days.
Does Amazon accept mpesa?
1️⃣ Go to our assisted purchase (shop & ship) page and submit your order request
2️⃣ We’ll send you a quotation both in USD and KES options
3️⃣ The quotation also has PAYBIL number 929999
4️⃣ Go to MPESA PAYBILL option and enter 929999
5️⃣ For the account, enter your invoice or estimate number
🙌 Complete payments
✅ You’ll receive order purchase confirmation within 12 hours
What is the Cheapest way to ship from the USA to Kenya?
✅ Kentex Cargo. 7-14 business days. From $15
⛔EMS Parcel Post. 14-21 business days. from $32.
⛔ Pitney Bowes Standard. 10-18 business days. from $50.
⛔ Worldwide Expedited Drop Off. 5-7 business days. from $71.
⛔ Global Express Drop Off. 6-7 business days. from $78.
⛔ Global Express Pickup. 6-7 business days. from $83.
Is Amazon Prime available in Kenya?
How long does a ship take from USA to Kenya?
How Much Does It Cost to Ship From Amazon to Kenya?
Shipping costs depend on the weight and size of your package. Here’s a comparison:
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost | Delivery Time | Customs Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Global | $20 – $300+ | 7-21 days | Pay more in Kenya |
| Kentex Cargo (Air) | $15 – $60 per kg | 7-14 days | All-inclusive |
| Kentex Cargo (Sea) | $7 – $15 per kg | 75-90 days | All-inclusive |
Kentex Cargo offers a more affordable and transparent pricing model compared to Amazon Global Shipping.
Why Kentex Cargo Is the Best Choice for Shipping From Amazon to Kenya
✅ Lower shipping rates – No surprises with customs fees.
✅ Consolidation of packages – Buy from different sellers, ship in one box.
✅ No KRA paperwork – Kentex clears customs for you.
✅ Assisted purchase option – If your card doesn’t work, Kentex buys for you.
✅ Dedicated customer support – Real-time tracking and updates.
LETS GET STARTED
Create a free shipping account
Amazon Resources For Kenyans
- Amazon Prime in Kenya
- Amazon Prime Business Account
- Amazon Canada to Kenya
- Amazon UK to Kenya
- Amazon Dubai to Kenya
Amazon to Kenya FAQ
Amazon global can deliver certain items to Kenya using third party carriers.
This takes about 3 weeks to get to Kenya and you'll need to go clear with KRA once such goods arrive.
The majority of goods sold on Amazon cannot be shipped to Kenya with Amazon global and you'll need to use assisted shopping or shipping only option to get them delivered to Kenya without having to deal with KRA.
Without a USA warehouse address in the US, you can only use Amazon prime in Kenya for streaming services.
Amazon prime benefits like free and expedited shipping only applies for addresses within the territories Amazon serves and Kenya is not one of them.
You can get an Amazon Prime account and get a free Us address where you can shop and ship your items.
Within the continental US, Amazon prime orders are delivered between a few hours and 3 days maximum.
Without Amazon Prime, goods can take up to 21 days to deliver and there is no shipment delivery guarantee.
Use Kentex Cargo freight forwarding service and get your goods delivered to Kenya within 7-14 working days.
Even better, with Kentex Cargo, you get a Tax-Free warehouse address where you do not pay sales taxes when shopping in the US.
Amazon accepts international Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards; shoppers without a dollar card commonly create a virtual Visa via M-Pesa Global Pay, which Amazon treats like any other card.
No—Amazon’s checkout has no M-Pesa option, but freight-forwarders (e.g., Kentex Cargo) let you settle your invoice locally via M-Pesa Paybill and then pay Amazon on your behalf.
Amazon’s “Free Super Saver” and Prime shipping are domestic offers; Kenyan shoppers can only get “free shipping” when a forwarder builds it into an all-inclusive promo rate, but the underlying air-freight still has a cost.
Amazon’s 30-day return window still applies, but you must pay return freight to the U.S.; warranties depend on the brand—many are U.S.-only, so factor in potential return shipping or use a forwarder that offers a return service.
Simply download your amazon app from App store or Google play and set it up using our Free US address.
Anything you purchase on Amazon will come to our warehouse and we'll forward everything to you in Kenya.
No, not in the foreseeable future. amazon shopping is not anywhere in Africa though there is a rumor that they might start in South Africa.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), however, has a data center in Kenya strategical
- Create a Free shipping account and get a US Tax-Free warehouse address.
- Add your new tax- free address to your Amazon Account so that whenever you shop anything in the US, it comes straight to our warehouse.
- Once you get your tracking number from Amazon, log back in to your account and give us your tracking number.
Amazon Global shipping charges vary widely—roughly $60 to $300 per order—because the fee is calculated from weight, size and product category, and it is shown at checkout together with an estimated Import Fees Deposit.
Prime’s free two-day shipping only applies inside the USA, UK and a few other territories; in Kenya you can still use Prime for streaming, but for physical goods you’ll need a U.S. forwarding address to enjoy Prime shipping speeds.
For direct shipments, use “Your Orders” on Amazon or the carrier’s tracking site; if you ship through a forwarder, paste the Amazon tracking number into your forwarding dashboard and you’ll receive Kenya-specific updates by SMS or e-mail.
The common workaround is to ship the purchase to a U.S. or UK warehouse supplied by a forwarder such as Kentex Cargo, who then fly it door-to-door into Kenya and clear customs for you.
Amazon itself cannot combine separate seller orders, but Kentex Cargo provide free consolidation: they wait for all your packages, re-box them into one shipment and charge by the final weight / volume, saving on freight.
Direct Amazon Global excludes haz-mat (lithium batteries, perfumes, pressurised sprays) and oversized goods; Kenyan law additionally bans used clothing in bulk, tactical gear, and certain cosmetics, so check both Amazon’s restricted list and KRA guidelines before ordering
