General Procedures for Exporting

            Business Registration

Business registrations in Kenya are processed through the eCitizen online platform but for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registrations they are processed at the Business Registration Service.

Register the business entity with the relevant Kenyan authorities, such as the County Government on the type of business and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for the sake of getting a PIN.

Export Licensing and Permits

Although there is no overall export license nor permit, there are products which are highly regulated, and one must acquire the necessary export licenses or permits from the appropriate government agencies specific to the product you intend to export. This includes licenses from regulatory bodies like the Agriculture Food Authority- Directorates for Horticulture, Coffee, Pyrethrum & Miraa, Nuts & Oil, Food crops and Fiber Crops. Tea Board of Kenya, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kenya Bureau of Standards among others.

Product Compliance

Products must comply with the required international quality and safety standards. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) amongst others provide certifications and standardization marks.

Some of the Mandatory Quality attestation certificates are the:

1. Phytosanitary Certificate from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) is required for horticulture, tea, coffee and any plant-based products.
2. Sanitary Certificate from Veterinary Services is required for fish, meat and any food item.
3. Fumigation Certificate if required for wood articles, some gift items.
4. Export Permit given by Mines and Geology Directorate is required for Minerals including soapstone.
5. Kenya Bureau of Standard Certifications

Secure contracts

Negotiate and finalize contracts with foreign buyers, including terms of sale and payment methods.

Export Documentation

      Prepare and submit the necessary customs documentation required for export such as:

1. 1. Commercial Invoice
   2. Packing List
   3. Certificate of Origin: for example,

• • • • COMESA Certificate of Origin for produce destined to COMESA countries.

• • • • EUR – 1 Certificate of Origin for produce destined to European Union

• • • • GSP Certificate of Origin for produce destined to USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc.

• • • • Ordinary Certificate of Origin for produce destined to Middle East, India, East Europe, etc.

• • • • AGOA Certificate of Origin.

• • • • EAC Certificate of Origin.
      • AfCFTA applies for the member states.

NB: Preferential certificates of Origin are obtained from KRA & the Ordinary Certificate of Origin acquired from Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Links to export processes & license acquisition

• Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency Buyer-Seller (makeitkenya.go.ke) – For all Export Procedures.
• https://infotradekenya.go.ke/ - KenTrade’s Import and Export procure platform.
• https://tfp.kenyatradenet.go.ke/TFBSEW/cusLogin/login.cl - KenTrade Single Window.

Marketing Tools - Electronic image builders

• Develop Product catalogue.
• Active Website/Web Pages and credible Email domain address.
• Product labelling must clearly indicate Name, Size, Price, Code, and high-resolution photos.
• Brand or a trade name for the product and have the brand registered at Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).

Identify preferential market advantages for example:

• • USA for textiles under the African Growth and Opportunity Act - AGOA initiative.
  • Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa -COMESA.
  • East African Community- EAC and the European Union -EU.
  • AfCFTA Certificate of Origin facilitation.

Price products competitively

Add value to products to have a competitive edge over your competitors. Let the price you quote be well informed.

Logistics and Transportation

Select a reliable shipping methods (air, sea, or land) coordinate with freight forwarders and logistics companies and INCOTERMs, cost, speed, and destination.

Customs clearance

Submit the necessary documents to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for customs clearance.

Insurance

Obtain appropriate export insurance to protect against potential risks during transit.

Payment and Financing

Establish secure payment methods, such as letters of credit, bank guarantees or other agreed-upon terms to ensure guaranteed payment from the international buyers.

Post-export

Maintain records of all transactions for tax and regulatory purposes and document the company’s transactions.

Export Promotion and Market Entry

Utilize resources provided by trade promotion agencies to market products abroad. Attend trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums to connect with potential buyers.

Post-Export Procedures

After the goods have been shipped, monitor the delivery and ensure the buyer receives them in good condition. Maintain records of the transaction for future reference and compliance audits plus documenting company’s export track record.

For more information on markets, products, branding and strategies on sourcing for buyers, visit the Trade Advisory Department at the Kenya Exports Promotion & Branding Agency (KEPROBA) – Anniversary Towers, 1st Floor.