Moving to Kenya from the USA

Moving to a new country for the long term presents an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in another culture. However, relocation can also pose significant challenges. Many American expatriates seek a destination that offers security, a high quality of life, and diverse employment opportunities.

For those relocating to Kenya from the USA, Nairobi and cities along the Indian Ocean coastline are popular choices for settling down. Regardless of the destination, finding a reliable mover to alleviate the stress of relocation is paramount.

At SDC International Shipping, we have nearly a decade of experience in seamlessly moving individuals and families worldwide. Our international removal service to Kenya encompasses comprehensive offerings, including packing, storage, customs paperwork, and shipping to the destination.

Continue reading our guide to discover how we can turn your move into a reality with peace of mind and professionalism.

Steps for International Moving to Kenya

1. Survey 
2. Quote 
3. Packing
4. Customs paperwork 
5. Shipping 

In-Home or Video Survey of Your Goods

At SDC International Shipping, we offer the convenience of in-home or video surveys to assess the volume of items that need to be shipped. Our experienced surveyor will either visit your home or conduct a video call to conduct a thorough survey.

During the survey, the surveyor will carefully walk through each room, recording each item using an electronic tablet. This initial estimate allows us to gain a better understanding of the size of your home and the volume of belongings that need to be shipped.

Whether in-person or via video call, our goal is to provide you with an accurate assessment and ensure a smooth and seamless moving experience.

A Quote for Moving to Kenya from the USA

After assessing the size of your move, the next step is to provide you with a customized quote tailored to your specific needs. At SDC International Shipping, we understand that every move is unique, influenced by various factors.

Factors such as the origin of your move, whether it’s from LA or NY, can impact the quote for international moving to Kenya. Additionally, the specific services required and other individual preferences contribute to the customization of your quote.

Rest assured, our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive information to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation experience.

SDC Packs Household Goods and Personal Effects

Once we’ve finalized the quote and set a move date, our team of international household movers will arrive at your location, ready to assist you every step of the way. Whether at your doorstep or designated location, our movers will meticulously pack and wrap all of your household goods and personal effects.

Utilizing industry-leading packing materials and techniques, we ensure that your belongings are securely protected for their journey ahead. Once everything is properly packed, our team will efficiently load your items into a container, ready for transportation to the nearest warehousing facility or port terminal.

At SDC International Shipping, we prioritize the safety and security of your belongings, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire moving process.

Assistance with Completing Customs Paperwork

Shipping cargo overseas requires meticulous planning, including navigating complex import regulations and completing necessary paperwork. At SDC International Shipping, our experienced logistics agents are here to assist you every step of the way.

We understand the intricacies of customs procedures and can help you collect and organize the required documentation. Some of the documents you will need to provide to customs include:

• Original passport
• Work permit
• Bank release
• Insurance certificate
• Inventory in English
• Invoices for electrical items
• And more

Our team will ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted, minimizing delays and ensuring a smooth customs clearance process.

Shipping Containers from the US to Nairobi  

Opting for our door-to-door service ensures a seamless shipping experience from any location in the US to Nairobi. Our process begins with picking up your goods from your designated location and preparing them for ocean freight.

Once your container is ready, it will embark on its journey across the sea. Throughout the shipping process, you will receive a Bill of Lading along with a message containing an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for your shipment.

At SDC International Shipping, we prioritize efficiency and reliability, ensuring that your goods reach their destination in Nairobi safely and on time.

Shipping Household Goods to Kenya

Shipping personal belongings to Kenya is possible through the following services. 

Shared Container Service 

Opting for our shared container service means that your items will be shipped alongside those of other customers in the same container. This cost-efficient option is ideal for those looking to stick to a budget. However, it’s important to note that shared container service may result in longer delivery times for your consignment.

Solo Container Service 

In contrast to shared container service, our solo container service allows you to have your private container. You can choose between 20 or 40-foot containers based on the size of your household goods, making it perfect for a 3- or 4-bedroom apartment. Despite being a private container, our prices remain competitive. Additionally, with solo container service, you won’t have to wait for other customers to ship their items, ensuring a faster delivery process.

Air freight 

Opting for air freight is the fastest but also the most expensive shipping method available. Your belongings are loaded onto a plane and flown directly to the nearest airport to your destination. This could be either Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) for shipments heading to Kenya. The transit time by air can typically range from one to two weeks, making it an ideal choice for those seeking expedited delivery.

At SDC International Shipping, we offer reliable and efficient air freight services to ensure that your belongings reach their destination in Nairobi or Mombasa swiftly and securely.

Ocean Transit Time for Shipping to Kenya

Shipping household goods to Kenya via ocean freight involves a moderate to extended transit period, influenced by factors like the shipment’s origin, route, and port conditions. Using a shared container, where your items are combined with others, often results in a longer delivery time due to additional handling and consolidation processes. For the most reliable estimated time of arrival (ETA), tracking updates provided after booking or once the ship departs offer greater accuracy, enhanced by modern digital tools. Planning ahead and consulting with your shipping provider is essential to account for potential delays, such as customs clearance or seasonal port congestion, ensuring a smoother relocation to Kenya.

While our international movers strive to expedite the delivery process, it’s important to note that transit times can vary due to various factors beyond our control.

At SDC International Shipping, we prioritize efficiency and reliability, ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination in Kenya within the shortest possible timeframe.

Shipping a Personal Auto 

At SDC International Shipping, we offer reliable car shipping services to Kenya, provided our clients possess a valid work permit or extended permanent residency. It’s essential for clients to be present on the day of the vehicle’s arrival for a smooth customs clearance process.

Your auto will be shipped to the main Port of Mombasa, ensuring convenient access upon arrival. Our team of shipping experts will assist you every step of the way, guiding you through the necessary customs requirements for importing your car.

Count on us to handle your vehicle shipment with expertise and efficiency, ensuring a seamless transition to your new destination in Kenya.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Vehicle to Kenya?

Shipping a car to Kenya involves moderate to significant costs, influenced by factors like the vehicle’s make, model, and size, as well as the chosen shipping method and the distance from origin to destination. Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) tends to be more affordable, ideal for standard vehicles, while container shipping offers greater protection at a higher cost, suitable for luxury or larger cars. Additional considerations, such as port fees, customs duties, and seasonal demand, can also impact expenses, with East Coast US origins often being cheaper than West Coast routes. For a tailored estimate, consulting with a reputable shipping provider is recommended to account for your specific needs and Kenya’s import regulations. Therefore, shipping a car from Los Angeles may cost more than shipping from Miami or Savannah.

For an accurate and personalized cost estimate, we encourage you to request a custom quote through our free quote form. Our team will assess your specific requirements and provide you with a detailed quote tailored to your needs.

Delivering Your Household Goods 

Upon arrival at the destination port, your container will initiate the customs clearance process. Once the clearance is successfully completed, your goods will be transferred to the designated warehouse. At this point, your assigned agent will contact you to discuss the next steps.

If you’ve opted for our door-to-door service, rest assured that your belongings will be delivered directly to your doorstep. Our team will ensure a seamless and hassle-free delivery process, allowing you to settle into your new home with ease.

At SDC International Shipping, we prioritize efficiency and reliability, ensuring that your household goods reach their destination safely and on time.

Popular Shipping Destinations 

• Nairobi
• Nakuru 
• Mombasa
• Malindi
• Eldoret 
• Kisumu
• Thika 

Hiring SDC International Shipping for Your Next Move

SDC International Shipping goes beyond to ensure your relocation to a new home is smooth and hassle-free. 

For additional questions about moving to Kenya from the USA, please complete our quote form to receive a free estimate or call us at  (877) 339-0267.