Shipping to Kenya from the USA is one of the commonest questions we hear from our customers. Of course, you ship as a returning resident via sea shipping suitable for heavy and bulk items and household goods.

Let's dive in and find out what you need to know.

Kenyan returning residents who have lived outside the country for more than 2 years are exempt from paying duty on used personal effects and one car.

This article only covers ocean shipping to Kenya options for returning residents.

1. Outline

• Qualifications to ship as a Kenyan returning resident from abroad
• Tax benefits of shipping as a returning resident from USA to Kenya
• Importing a vehicle duty-free as a returning resident from the USA
• What can disqualify your tax-free provision as a returning resident

2. Qualifications to Ship as a Kenyan Returning Resident from Abroad

The process of returning to one's homeland after an extended period abroad can be both exhilarating and daunting. For Kenyan residents returning from the USA, there are specific qualifications they must meet to ship their belongings back home. These guidelines are also available on KRA website under returning resident guidelines.

• Proof of Residency: One of the primary qualifications is evidence of having lived abroad for at least two consecutive years. This is to ensure that the benefits provided are not misused by those who frequently travel back and forth.

• Documentation: A valid passport, work permit, or any other legal document that proves residency outside Kenya is essential. These documents serve as a testament to the individual's genuine stay abroad.

• Limitations on Goods: Not all items can be shipped back home. Only household and personal effects that have been in use for at least one year prior to the resident's return are eligible. This is to prevent the commercial importation of goods under the guise of personal effects.

• Time Frame: The window for importing goods is limited. All items must be brought into the country within 90 days of the resident's return. This ensures that the process is tied to the individual's relocation and not extended indefinitely.

• You must show supporting documents that you are changing your residence from the USA to Kenya. This may include but is not limited to:
  • A customs stamped & valid passport showing that you have arrived in the country within less than 90 days by the time your shipment arrives. NO EXEMPTION TO THIS RULE.
  • A valid work permit or appointment letter for a new job in Kenya
  • Allien ID is like a green card.
• A valid passport for the last two years and any other passports you may have held in the past.
• A valid and verifiable proof that you have lived abroad for the last two years. This may be things like rent/mortgage payments or utility bills. This is rarely asked unless there is suspicion.
• You must be at least 18 years old.

3. Tax Benefits of Shipping as a Returning Resident from USA to Kenya

The Kenyan government, recognizing the challenges of resettling, offers several tax benefits to its returning residents.

• Duty Exemption: One of the most significant benefits is the exemption from paying import duty on personal and household effects. This can result in substantial savings, especially for those who have accumulated a significant amount of belongings during their stay abroad.

• Value Added Tax (VAT) Waiver: In addition to duty exemption, personal and household effects are also exempted from VAT. This further reduces the financial burden on returning residents.

• Simplified Clearance: The bureaucratic process can often be a nightmare. However, for returning residents, the clearance process is often streamlined. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress associated with such procedures.

• Economic Savings: When combined, these tax benefits can lead to significant savings. This makes the process of resettling in Kenya more economical and less burdensome.

4. Importing a Vehicle Duty-Free as a Returning Resident from the USA

Vehicles are often one of the most valuable possessions individuals own. Understanding the process and benefits of importing a vehicle can lead to significant savings.

• Eligibility: To import a vehicle duty-free, the returning resident must prove ownership and use of the vehicle for at least 12 months prior to their return. This ensures that the provision is not misused for commercial importation.

• Age Limit: Not all vehicles qualify for this benefit. The vehicle should not be more than seven years old from the year of manufacture. This is in line with Kenya's policies to ensure that only relatively newer vehicles, which are more environmentally friendly and have better safety standards, are brought into the country.

• Left-Hand Drive Restriction: Due to safety concerns and standardization, Kenya does not allow the importation of left-hand drive vehicles unless they are specialized vehicles.

• One-Time Benefit: This benefit is precious. As such, a returning resident can only import one duty-free vehicle within their lifetime. This ensures that the provision is not abused.

• Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial. Essential documents for vehicle importation include the original logbook, purchase receipts, and insurance records. These documents prove ownership and the duration of use.

• You must demonstrate you are changing residence, not merely a visit to Kenya
  
• You can purchase a similar car (class, Make/model, engine capacity, etc) in countries that sell right-hand car and ship to Kenya. The resale value of the new car shall not exceed the value of the previous left-hand drive (LHD) car

5. What Can Disqualify Your Tax-Free Provision as a Returning Resident

While the benefits are generous, there are specific actions or oversights that can lead to disqualification.

• False Documentation: Honesty is paramount. Providing fake or altered documents can lead to immediate disqualification and possible legal action.

• Breach of Time Frame: Timing is crucial. Failing to import goods within the stipulated 90 days after returning can lead to the forfeiture of the tax-free provision.

• Previous Benefit: The benefits are designed to assist in resettlement. If a returning resident has previously benefited from the duty-free provision, they cannot benefit again.

• Non-compliance with Age Limit: Importing a vehicle older than the stipulated eight years from its manufacturing date can lead to disqualification.

• Importing Prohibited Goods: Kenya has a list of items that are prohibited or restricted. Bringing in such items can lead to disqualification and possible confiscation of the goods.

Supporting documents should be attached including but not limited to:

• Passport – original, (if issued within the last 2 years, the old passport is also required)
• Residence Visa/Work Permit – original
• PIN Certificate? obtained through the Kenya Revenue Authority
• Original Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
• Comprehensive Valued Inventory. Make 3 copies, detailed per box /boxes numbered, signed by the owner
• Comprehensive Packing List
• Authority letter nominating BUY DIRECT LIMITED/KENTEX CARGO to act on your behalf
• Original logbook (car title) from the country of importation in case of motor vehicle

Please note:

• You can only ship goods that you have been using abroad duty-free. New items do not qualify under this provision.
• You do not have to have a full container to ship as a returning resident. We have negotiated and got KEBS approval to ship even a single box for a returning resident under this provision
• Returning resident goods are not subjected to Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC).
• You cannot fail to declare, undervalue, or otherwise overvalue your goods.

Why Choose Kentex Cargo?

• 6 years of flawless experience shipping goods for returning residents to Kenya
• We hold KEBS special provision that allows us to ship less than a container load for returning residents who have met the above conditions. No one else has this provision in the USA.
• Ability to assit in purchasing a motor vehicle, import and clear on your behalf if you have met the above requirements.
• Clean, Clear & transparent transaction