Importing Computers into Kenya? Beware the Fees

To great fanfare, Kenya Revenue Authority eliminated customs duties on the import of new computers into Kenya recently. Their FAQ even says:

Andris preparing computers for shipping

Q7. What duties are levied on computers?

Computers and computer parts do not attract any duty. However, printers attract import duty at the rate of 10% and VAT at the rate of 16%.

But do not let that lull you into thinking that there isn't a cost associated with importing computers into Kenya.

While there isn't an actual duty, there are still fees. You'll need to pay at least 5,000 Kenyan Shillings ($65 USD), plus 2.25% of the total value, to process the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) which is payable to the government. Then you'll also need to pay a licensed clearing agent a handling fee to clear the computing equipment at customs.

These fees are in addition to any shipping costs to get your computer equipment from its point of origin to either the Port of Mombasa or one of Kenya's international airports.

Wayan Vota's picture

Wayan Vota

Inveneo

Wayan Vota is a technology expert focused on appropriate information and communication technologies (ICT) for rural and underserved areas of the developing world. He is a Senior Director at Inveneo and is the editor of ICTworks

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