Are you tired of delayed shipments and endless headaches when exporting goods from Kenya? Finding the right shipping agent can make all the difference between a smooth experience and a logistical nightmare. A reliable partner not only saves you time and money but also ensures your orders reach their destination in perfect shape. Curious which Kenyan shipping agents stand out from the crowd? Discover our top picks and learn how the right choice can boost your business. Read on!
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Top 10 shipping companies in Kenya you should know about in 2022
Product Details:
The company provides shipping and freight forwarding services including sea freight, air freight, haulage, and cargo clearing and forwarding, supporting both local and international trade.
Technical Parameters:
– Handles both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL)
– Offers door-to-door delivery services
– Supports handling of bulk cargo and specialized cargo
– Facilitates customs clearance and documentation
Application Scenarios:
– Importing goods into Kenya from international suppliers
– Exporting products from Kenya to global markets
– Transportation of large-scale commercial shipments
– Clearing and forwarding of personal effects for individuals or businesses
Pros:
– Provides comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions
– Experienced in customs clearance and regulatory processes
– Serves both local and international shipping needs
Cons:
– Shipping duration may be subject to delays based on customs and regulatory
– May incur additional costs for clearing and forwarding services
KSAA – Kenya Ship Agents Association
Product Details:
KSAA (Kenya Ship Agents Association) is a membership-based organization for ship agents in Kenya, offering access to a network, regular port notices, port information and statistics, advocacy, training, code of conduct enforcement, and industry consultation services related to sea shipping and port logistics.
Technical Parameters:
– Membership is open to ship agents incorporated in Kenya who represent ships,
– Provides access to regular port regulations, shipping notices, statistics, and
– Publishes downloadable resources, regulations, performance summaries, and code
Application Scenarios:
– Ship agents in Kenya seeking official association membership, standards, and
– Importers, exporters, and shipping industry stakeholders needing up-to-date
– Organizations seeking training, advocacy, or collaboration with government
Pros:
– Facilitates ethical business practices, training, and best practices in the
– Centralized source for official port information, shipping notices, and
– Advocacy and policy engagement with government agencies to reduce
– Offers networking, resources, and education to members.
Cons:
– Only available to ship agents incorporated in Kenya, limiting access for other
– No detailed technical product specifications or digital platform features
Top 10+ Best Shipping & Port Agent Companies in Kenya
Product Details:
The companies provide shipping, cargo handling, freight forwarding, customs clearing, logistics, and port agent services in Kenya and East Africa, specializing in global import/export, transport, and efficient cargo management.
Technical Parameters:
– Services cover customs clearing, forwarding, transport, heavy haulage, and
– Offerings include freight services by sea, road, and occasionally air; tailored
– Established presence with some firms operating for 8+ years and with proven
– Most companies have multiple communication channels and offices in major
Application Scenarios:
– Import and export of goods for businesses operating in or through Kenya.
– Logistics management for manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers distributing
– Specialized handling and transportation of heavy or oversized cargo within East
– Support for global trading companies seeking seamless freight forwarding and
Pros:
– Reliable logistics and shipping solutions with broad geographical coverage
– Specialist expertise in customs clearance and handling complex or heavy cargo.
– Established, verified companies with several years of operational experience.
– Competitive, cost-effective pricing and personalized logistics support offered
Cons:
– Limited technical details about fleet size, technology used, or service speed
– Possible variations in service quality across different companies due to broad
– Customer reviews and ratings limited or not uniformly present.
List of Shipping And Port Agents in Kenya
Product Details:
Kenyan shipping and port agents offer services such as freight clearing, forwarding, customs brokerage, shop-and-ship solutions from international retailers, online logistics platforms connecting shippers to transporters, and comprehensive logistics for importers and exporters.
Technical Parameters:
– Shop-and-ship delivery from US/UK online retailers to Kenya (typically within
– Online matchmaking platform for shippers and transporters
– Physical offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Embakasi, often located at or near
– Licensing and accreditation for customs clearing and forwarding
Application Scenarios:
– Importing goods purchased online from global retailers into Kenya
– Freight forwarding and customs clearance for commercial shipments
– Coordinating truck transport for import/export cargo within Kenya and East
– Managing logistics for both local and international clients in trade or
Pros:
– End-to-end logistics solutions, including clearing, forwarding, and last-mile
– Access to global shipping networks and international retailers
– Use of technology platforms for efficient cargo and transport coordination
– Services offered by experienced and licensed agents
Cons:
– Delivery times may vary depending on provider and route, with minimum delivery
– Limited transparency in technical details or specialized service capabilities
Home – Cargo and Shipping
Product Details:
Salihiya Cargo & Shipping Agency provides air and sea freight shipping services from Europe, Asia, and America to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. They offer packaging, pick-up & delivery, supplier due diligence, and online shopping/consolidation services.
Technical Parameters:
– 2 weekly flights from Dubai to Kenya (every Tuesday & Thursday)
– Warehouse drop-off at MAMZAR GATE#1 for Dubai shipments
– Shipping coverage: Europe, Asia, America to East Africa (Kenya, Uganda,
– Optional packaging services for goods at an additional fee
Application Scenarios:
– Businesses importing goods (e.g. electronics, merchandise) from overseas to
– Individuals purchasing goods on international online shops and shipping them to
– Customers needing supplier background checks for international purchases
– Clients requiring assistance with packaging and consolidated shipments
Pros:
– Regular, scheduled air freight flights from Dubai ensure fast shipping options
– Global pickups and comprehensive coverage for both air and sea cargo
– Supplier due diligence for safer international purchases
– Positive reputation for reliability, punctuality, and helpful customer support
Cons:
– Packaging services incur an additional cost
– No explicit mention of freight transit times, tracking specifics, or shipping
MainGate Shipping Limited – Your Shipping Agency in Mombasa, Kenya
Product Details:
Maingate Shipping provides comprehensive trading, shipping, and logistics services, specializing in the sourcing of raw materials and commodities, import/export facilitation, end-to-end logistics planning, agency services, ship chartering, global freight forwarding, warehousing, and seamless cargo movement in Kenya, East Africa, and internationally.
Technical Parameters:
– End-to-end logistics solutions including planning, international trading,
– Global representation for ship owners and charterers at Kenyan ports with local
– Integrated road and sea freight services with an extensive transporter network
– Secure warehousing and packaging solutions with online tracking and 24/7 support
Application Scenarios:
– Import and export businesses for small and medium enterprises in Kenya and
– Shipping agency services for ship owners and charterers at Mombasa and all
– Cargo movement from production sites to end-user markets, both regionally and
– Businesses requiring secure storage, efficient transport, and reliable supply
Pros:
– Experienced team providing tailored and cost-effective logistics solutions
– Seamless port calls with efficient customs clearance and cargo handling
– Real-time pricing and cost calculator for advance planning
– State-of-the-art warehousing and secure packaging
Cons:
– Focuses primarily on the Kenyan and Eastern African markets, which may limit
– No detailed technical specifications provided for warehousing capacity, fleet
Ship Agency Services Kenya | Comprehensive Maritime Solutions
Product Details:
Access Shipping Agency (ASA) offers comprehensive ship agency services in Kenya, specializing in port clearance, vessel husbandry, cargo handling, logistics and supply chain management, and marine survey and inspection, with expertise in handling various vessel types and cargo at the port of Mombasa since 2012.
Technical Parameters:
– Capable of handling bulk carriers (liquid and solid), tankers, break-bulk, dry
– Experienced in specialized cargo handling, such as crude palm oil, fertilizer,
– Vessel discharge capacity examples: up to approximately 32,664 metric tons per
– 24/7 operational support and strong network with local authorities.
Application Scenarios:
– Ship and cargo agency operations at Kenyan ports, particularly Mombasa.
– Discharge, tally, and survey operations for bulk cargo such as fertilizer and
– Logistics and supply chain management for maritime trade.
– Port and vessel support for tankers, container vessels, break-bulk, and RORO
Pros:
– Professional and experienced team with industry expertise since 2011.
– Customized, reliable, and cost-efficient solutions tailored to diverse maritime
– Strong local and regional presence with offices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
– Full suite of maritime services including port clearance, husbandry, and
Cons:
– No detailed information on digital tracking or technology systems for
– Limited reference to international accreditation or major global partnerships.
– No explicit mention of pricing models or cost structure on the page.
Precise Shipping E.A Ltd – Ship Agents, Ship Brokers, Commission Agents
Product Details:
Precise Shipping E.A Ltd offers ship agency, ship brokerage, and commission agent services, as well as ship hiring/leasing, ocean freight, international shipping, air freight, freight forwarding, customs clearance, supply chain solutions, tracking and visibility, containerization, and warehousing and distribution. They support end-to-end freight movement, logistics, and supply chain management for importers, exporters, and organizations engaging in global trade.
Technical Parameters:
– 25+ years combined industry experience
– Strong relationships with major shipping lines for competitive ocean freight
– Comprehensive handling of customs clearance and documentation
– Secure warehousing and distribution facilities
Application Scenarios:
– Import and export operations for businesses involved in global trade
– Organizations needing ship hiring or leasing for cargo transport
– Companies requiring end-to-end freight forwarding and supply chain management
– Entities seeking warehousing, distribution, or customs clearance support
Pros:
– Wide range of logistics and shipping services under one roof
– Experienced team dedicated to reliable and timely service
– Strong network and industry relationships for competitive pricing
– Emphasis on secure handling, tracking, and visibility of goods
Cons:
– No detailed technical specifications or service level guarantees listed
– Some service descriptions lack specific operational details
– Potential complexity for first-time users due to breadth of services offered
Inter Ship Ltd
Product Details:
International Shipping Agency Ltd offers a comprehensive range of maritime logistics and shipping services, including global NVOCC operations, port services, ship husbandry, ship brokerage, ship chartering, marine security, crew supply, transport, and expedited air freight services.
Technical Parameters:
– Shipping services available for both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less
– Vessel-based marine security provided in partnership with Gulf region partners
– Professional crewing and manning for all vessel types
– Long distance transport services from port to transit
Application Scenarios:
– Shipping goods globally via sea freight, including containerized cargo
– Securing vessels in high-risk maritime regions such as the Gulf
– Chartering ships and arranging crew for international voyages
– Expedited delivery of cargo by air freight
Pros:
– Swift, efficient, and reliable service delivery
– Comprehensive support network and experience in the Kenyan shipping industry
– Professional, tailored logistics solutions to meet customer needs
– Affordable and cost-saving shipping options
Cons:
– Limited technical details provided about specific service processes or equipment
– Reliance on partners for some services (e.g., marine security in the Gulf
NSA – Home
Product Details:
Nakai Sea and Air Services provides comprehensive logistics solutions including shipping agency services, international freight forwarding, NVOCC, land, air, and ocean transport, as well as global supply chain management. Additional offerings include LCL/FCL imports and exports, international shipping agent nomination, cargo receiving and handing over, consolidation/deconsolidation, lift on/lift off operations, custom clearance, warehousing, logistics and transportation, Ex Works, and FOB services.
Technical Parameters:
– Licensed shipping agent under MSS regulations in Kenya
– Covers land, air, and ocean freight for imports/exports
– Handles both LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load)
– NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier) operations
Application Scenarios:
– International shipping and freight forwarding to and from Kenya and a wide
– Cargo storage and warehousing for importers and exporters
– Custom clearance and logistics management for businesses involved in
– Supplying local and international transportation solutions for import/export
Pros:
– Wide international network spanning over 30 countries across Africa, Middle
– Offers both comprehensive (end-to-end) logistics and single-service options
– Licensed and experienced providers in the logistics space with established
– Flexible service range including air, land, and ocean freight
Cons:
– No specific mention of technological integration or tracking solutions
– Limited details on capacity, speed of service, or shipment size limitations
– Website lacks explicit pricing or rate information
Comparison Table
| Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 10 shipping companies in Kenya you should know about in 2022 | The company provides shipping and freight forwarding services including sea | Provides comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions Experienced in customs | Shipping duration may be subject to delays based on customs and regulatory | www.tuko.co.ke |
| KSAA – Kenya Ship Agents Association | KSAA (Kenya Ship Agents Association) is a membership-based organization for | Facilitates ethical business practices, training, and best practices in the | Only available to ship agents incorporated in Kenya, limiting access for other | www.ksaa.co.ke |
| Top 10+ Best Shipping & Port Agent Companies in Kenya | The companies provide shipping, cargo handling, freight forwarding, customs | Reliable logistics and shipping solutions with broad geographical coverage | Limited technical details about fleet size, technology used, or service speed | www.businesslist.co.ke |
| List of Shipping And Port Agents in Kenya | Kenyan shipping and port agents offer services such as freight clearing, | End-to-end logistics solutions, including clearing, forwarding, and last-mile | Delivery times may vary depending on provider and route, with minimum delivery | www.kenyabizlist.com |
| Home – Cargo and Shipping | Salihiya Cargo & Shipping Agency provides air and sea freight shipping services | Regular, scheduled air freight flights from Dubai ensure fast shipping | Packaging services incur an additional cost No explicit mention of freight | salihiyacargo.com |
| MainGate Shipping Limited – Your Shipping Agency in Mombasa, Kenya | Maingate Shipping provides comprehensive trading, shipping, and logistics | Experienced team providing tailored and cost-effective logistics solutions Seaml | Focuses primarily on the Kenyan and Eastern African markets, which may limit | maingateshipping.com |
| Ship Agency Services Kenya | Comprehensive Maritime Solutions | Access Shipping Agency (ASA) offers comprehensive ship agency services in Kenya | Professional and experienced team with industry expertise since 2011 | No detailed information on digital tracking or technology systems for |
| Precise Shipping E.A Ltd – Ship Agents, Ship Brokers, Commission Agents | Precise Shipping E.A Ltd offers ship agency, ship brokerage, and commission | Wide range of logistics and shipping services under one roof Experienced team | No detailed technical specifications or service level guarantees listed Some | preciseshipping.co.ke |
| Inter Ship Ltd | International Shipping Agency Ltd offers a comprehensive range of maritime | Swift, efficient, and reliable service delivery Comprehensive support network | Limited technical details provided about specific service processes or | www.intershipltd.co.ke |
| NSA – Home | Nakai Sea and Air Services provides comprehensive logistics solutions including | Wide international network spanning over 30 countries across Africa, Middle | No specific mention of technological integration or tracking solutions Limited | nakaiseaairservices.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find reliable shipping agents or suppliers in Kenya?
Start by searching online B2B platforms, trade directories, and industry associations focused on Kenya. Ask for referrals in import/export forums and social media groups. Reputable agencies usually have an established presence, verified customer reviews, and contactable references.
2. What should I consider when choosing a Kenyan shipping agent?
Check their experience with your product category, reputation, range of services, customer service quality, and ability to handle customs and logistics smoothly. Make sure they’re licensed and familiar with routes to your destination country.
3. How do I verify the legitimacy of a factory or manufacturer in Kenya?
Ask for business licenses, manufacturing certifications, and references from previous customers. If possible, request a video tour or third-party inspection of facilities. Cross-check details with Kenyan trade authorities or industry bodies.
4. What questions should I ask before signing a contract with a supplier or agent?
Clarify shipping timelines, payment terms, available shipping options, liability for damaged goods, and after-sales support. Confirm who will handle customs clearance and if tracking is provided. Always get agreements in writing.
5. How can I protect myself from scams or fraud?
Avoid making large upfront payments; use secure payment methods like letters of credit or escrow services. Work with verified agents and suppliers, and check business references thoroughly. Consider visiting Kenya, or working with trusted third-party auditors.
