If you are planning to import goods into Kenya, one of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the right clearing and forwarding company.
From cars and electronics to machinery, clothing, spare parts and commercial goods, imported cargo has to go through several processes before it reaches its final destination.
You may have to deal with customs documentation, taxes, port procedures, cargo release, transportation and other logistics requirements.
For a first-time importer, this process can be confusing.
That is where a professional clearing and forwarding company comes in.
A good clearing agent can help you navigate the customs process, prepare the necessary documentation and coordinate the movement of your cargo from the port or airport to its destination.
In this article, we look at 8 clearing and forwarding companies in Kenya that importers and businesses can consider in 2026. Important: This is not a ranking. Always verify a company’s current licensing status, services, charges and terms before hiring or making any payment.
1. Siginon Group
Siginon Group is one of the established names in Kenya’s logistics and supply-chain industry.
The company provides various logistics solutions covering areas such as freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling and transportation.
For businesses importing or exporting commercial goods, having a logistics provider that can coordinate several stages of the supply chain can be extremely useful.
Some of the services associated with Siginon include:
- Customs clearance
- Freight forwarding
- Warehousing
- Cargo handling
- Transportation
- Import and export logistics
If you are looking for an established logistics company in Kenya, Siginon Group is one of the names worth researching.
2. Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya
Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya is another established company in the Kenyan clearing and forwarding industry.
The company has a long history in East African logistics and has been involved in handling cargo moving through the region.
For importers and exporters, its services can cover different stages of the logistics process, including freight forwarding and customs-related activities.
Depending on your shipment, services may include:
- Freight forwarding
- Customs clearance
- Sea freight
- Warehousing
- Transportation
- Import and export logistics
Businesses importing goods through the Port of Mombasa can consider Mitchell Cotts when comparing clearing and forwarding providers.
3. Kenfreight East Africa
Kenfreight East Africa is a well-known name in the East African logistics industry.
The company provides freight forwarding and logistics solutions for businesses moving cargo internationally and within the region.
For an importer, using a freight forwarder can make it easier to coordinate different parts of the shipment instead of dealing with multiple service providers separately.
Kenfreight’s logistics services cover areas such as:
- Freight forwarding
- Customs clearance
- Transportation
- Warehousing
- Import and export logistics
- Regional cargo transportation
If you regularly import commercial goods, it is worth requesting a quotation and comparing the company’s services with those of other clearing agents.
4. DHL Global Forwarding Kenya
When most people hear the name DHL, they immediately think about parcel delivery.
However, DHL also has a major freight-forwarding business through DHL Global Forwarding.
DHL Global Forwarding provides international logistics solutions covering different modes of transportation.
Its services include areas such as:
- Air freight
- Ocean freight
- Road freight
- Freight forwarding
- Warehousing
- Supply-chain solutions
For Kenyan businesses importing goods from overseas, an international freight forwarder can be useful when a shipment involves several countries or different transportation methods.
DHL Global Forwarding is therefore another company worth considering when comparing logistics providers in Kenya.
5. Kuehne+Nagel Kenya
Kuehne+Nagel is a major international logistics company with operations in Kenya.
The company provides freight forwarding and supply-chain services, including air, sea and road logistics.
For businesses involved in international trade, its services can help coordinate cargo from the supplier through transportation and delivery.
Some of the services associated with Kuehne+Nagel include:
- Sea freight
- Air freight
- Road logistics
- Supply-chain management
- Warehousing
- Shipment tracking
- Customs-related logistics support
If your business imports goods regularly, you can request a quotation and compare the costs and services with other providers.
6. DSV Kenya
DSV is another major international transport and logistics company operating in Kenya.
The company provides logistics solutions for businesses involved in international trade and cargo transportation.
Its services cover different parts of the supply chain, making it an option for businesses that want to consolidate their logistics operations.
Services may include:
- Air freight
- Sea freight
- Road transportation
- Warehousing
- Supply-chain solutions
- Cargo tracking
For large businesses handling regular imports and exports, an international logistics provider such as DSV can be worth considering.
7. Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Kenya
Africa Global Logistics, commonly known as AGL, is another company operating in Kenya’s logistics sector.
The company has a presence in Mombasa and provides logistics solutions connected to international and regional trade.
AGL is particularly relevant to businesses looking for logistics support around cargo movement and customs processes.
Its operations can involve areas such as:
- Customs documentation
- Import and export cargo
- Freight forwarding
- Transportation
- Logistics
- Supply-chain management
If your cargo passes through the Port of Mombasa, AGL is one of the logistics companies you can include when comparing your options.
8. Freight Forwarders Kenya Limited
Freight Forwarders Kenya Limited, commonly known as FFK, is another established name in Kenya’s logistics industry.
The company has a long history in freight forwarding and transportation, with its operations closely connected to the Port of Mombasa and East African trade.
Its services cover different areas of logistics, including:
- Freight forwarding
- Customs clearance
- Road transportation
- Warehousing
- Contract logistics
- Project cargo
- Regional transportation
For businesses moving cargo from Mombasa to Nairobi and other parts of Kenya or East Africa, an integrated logistics provider can make the process easier to manage.
How Much Do Clearing Agents Charge in Kenya?
There is no single fixed price for clearing and forwarding services in Kenya.
The amount you pay can depend on several factors, including:
- Type of goods
- Value of the cargo
- Weight of the shipment
- Size or volume of the cargo
- Port charges
- Shipping charges
- Customs duties and taxes
- Storage charges
- Transportation costs
- Complexity of the clearance process
- Agent’s professional fees
This is why it is important to request a detailed quotation before hiring a clearing agent.
Do not automatically choose the company offering the cheapest quotation.
A low initial quote may exclude certain charges that you later discover you have to pay.
Documents You May Need When Importing Goods
The documents required can vary depending on the type of goods you are importing.
However, you may need documents such as:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Airway bill
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Import permits where applicable
- Identification documents
- Company documents
- Regulatory certificates where applicable
Your clearing agent should advise you on the specific documents required for your shipment.
Key Takeaways
Finding the right clearing and forwarding company in Kenya can save you time, money and a lot of frustration.
Some of the companies you can research include Siginon Group, Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya, Kenfreight East Africa, DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, Africa Global Logistics and Freight Forwarders Kenya Limited.
However, don’t choose a clearing agent simply because it appears on a list.
Before hiring one, verify its current licensing status, compare quotations, ask about all charges and check its experience with your type of cargo.
If you are importing goods for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
A good clearing agent should be able to clearly explain the process, expected costs, required documents and any potential issues before your cargo arrives.
For the latest information on customs procedures and licensed customs agents, always check official Kenya Revenue Authority information before making a decision.
Planning to import goods into Kenya? Choosing the right clearing agent could be one of the most important decisions you make.
