Exporting goods from Kenya requires compliance with various procedural and regulatory demands under the jurisdiction of different government agencies. These agencies operate under specific Acts, Regulations, and Legal Notices to ensure smooth and legitimate trade practices. Below is a step-by-step guide for individuals and businesses looking to engage in export activities from Kenya.
1. Register as a Business or Company
Before engaging in export activities, an individual or entity must legally register their business. This process is carried out through the Registrar of Companies, which issues certificates to local and foreign companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.
Additionally, businesses are required to register with:
- National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
- National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Obtain a business permit from the relevant County Government
All business registrations are conducted via the eCitizen platform. For comprehensive details on company registration, visit the Kenya eRegulations portal managed by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest).
2. Open a Business Bank Account
Once a business is successfully registered, it must open a bank account with a commercial bank or a mortgage finance institution licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
3. Obtain Product-Specific Registrations, Licenses, and Certificates
Export procedures vary depending on the type of product. Some products require:
- Preliminary/initial registrations: A one-time registration of the business or entity with regulatory authorities.
- Licenses: Required for regulated industries and typically renewed annually.
- Permits: These accompany consignments and include documents such as phytosanitary certificates, veterinary certificates, certificates of origin, and import permits.
- Customs clearance & border procedures: Exporters must submit a customs declaration, undergo verification/inspections by authorities, and obtain cargo sealing.
For first-time traders, the entire process from business registration to customs clearance is summarized in the trade regulations portal.
4. Obtain a Sales Contract from the Buyer
A sales contract or agreement detailing product specifications, terms, conditions, and pricing must be obtained. This document is crucial for export clearance with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Customs & Border Control Unit.
5. Hire a Clearing Agent
As stipulated in the East African Community (EAC) Customs Management Act, exporters must engage a licensed clearing agent to handle customs clearance. These agents are accredited by KRA, and a list of licensed clearing agents can be found on the KRA website.
6. Declaration of Consignment
To facilitate cargo clearance, the exporter must provide the clearing agent with the following documents:
- Valid commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- Relevant permits and licenses
- Company or Individual PIN certificate
- Purchase agreements or contracts
- Packing lists
After submission, KRA will process the consignment, conduct verification and stuffing, approve the export, and issue a Certificate of Export.
Conclusion
Exporting from Kenya requires proper registration, licensing, and adherence to customs regulations. By following these structured steps, exporters can efficiently comply with legal requirements and facilitate smooth international trade. For more information, consult the relevant trade regulatory authorities or visit Kenya’s official export procedures portal.
