Medical Equipment Import Guide

Importing Medical Equipment & Devices into Kenya

Complete guide to shipping medical equipment from the USA to Kenya, including documentation requirements and regulatory compliance.

Ocean Shipping from USA to Kenya
Ocean Shipping from USA to Kenya

Kentex Cargo Solution

Kentex Cargo specializes in helping healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics import medical equipment from the USA to Kenya. Whether you're shipping diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, laboratory devices, or hospital furniture, we handle the logistics while you focus on the regulatory requirements.

Our ocean freight service is ideal for large medical equipment like MRI machines, X-ray units, dental chairs, and hospital beds. For smaller items or urgent shipments, we also offer air shipping (7-14 working days).

Basic Requirements for Importing Medical Equipment

  • FDA export certificate or declaration letter
  • Pro-forma invoice with equipment specifications
  • Packing list with serial numbers
  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from KEBS
  • Import permit from Pharmacy and Poisons Board (for regulated devices)
  • Calibration records for diagnostic equipment
  • Manufacturer's documentation and user manuals

Importing Used and Refurbished Medical Equipment

Used and refurbished medical equipment can be imported to Kenya with additional documentation. The equipment must be in good working condition with proof of functionality. Many Kenyan hospitals and clinics save significantly by importing quality refurbished equipment from the USA.

Kentex Cargo can help coordinate the shipping logistics for your refurbished medical equipment. Create a free shipping account to get your warehouse address and start the process.

What It Actually Costs

Ocean freight is priced by volume, not weight — cubic feet (length × width × height in inches ÷ 1728) × $30.00, with a $150 minimum charge per shipment. Two real examples:

Portable ultrasound unit

Cased with accessories, roughly 24" x 20" x 16"

4.4 cubic feet — below our 150-dollar minimum, so the minimum applies

$150.00

Disassembled hospital bed frame

Crated, roughly 80" x 36" x 20"

33.3 cubic feet at $30.00/cuft

$1000.00

Larger, denser equipment like MRI components or X-ray units is quoted individually once we have the crate dimensions and weight — call ahead so the logistics team can confirm freight handling and any additional documentation before it ships.

Ready to Ship Medical Equipment?

Create your free account to get your warehouse address and begin the import process.

Create Free Shipping Account

Medical Equipment Import FAQs

Can I ship medical equipment from USA to Kenya?

Yes, Kentex Cargo can help you ship medical equipment and devices from the USA to Kenya via ocean freight. However, importing medical equipment requires proper documentation including FDA declarations and may require special licensing from the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

What documentation is needed for importing medical equipment to Kenya?

You will typically need: FDA export certificate or declaration, pro-forma invoice, packing list, Certificate of Conformity (CoC), and import permit from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board for certain categories of medical devices.

Can I import used or refurbished medical equipment to Kenya?

Yes, used and refurbished medical equipment can be imported to Kenya, but additional documentation may be required. The equipment must be in good working condition, and you may need to provide proof of functionality and calibration records.

How long does it take to ship medical equipment to Kenya?

Ocean shipping takes 75-90 days from the container departure date. Air shipping for smaller medical devices takes 7-14 working days (business days). For urgent medical equipment, air shipping is recommended.