Moving to Kenya

Kenya is one of East Africa’s most established business and lifestyle destinations, and it draws a steady stream of moves out of the UAE. The two countries are well connected by sea and air, and Nairobi has long been a regional base for international companies and organisations. For a family or business relocating from the UAE to Kenya, the corridor is well-trodden — and Seemleius manages it from start to finish on the Dubai–Mombasa and Dubai–Nairobi routes.

The UAE–Kenya route carries professionals taking up roles with companies and NGOs in Nairobi, families drawn by Kenya’s climate, schooling and lifestyle, returning Kenyan nationals, and businesses establishing an East African hub. It is a corridor with established freight links, and we coordinate it from Dubai — the departure by sea or air, and the arrival into Kenya’s port and capital with our destination partner.

Freight routes and Kenyan customs

Because the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to commercial shipping since February 2026, containers first go by road to a port outside it, such as Khor Fakkan or Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast or Sohar in Oman, then sail to the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s principal gateway, on the Indian Ocean coast — routing and dates are confirmed at the survey. From Mombasa, goods move inland by road or rail to Nairobi and beyond. Air freight from DXB into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is a short and frequent route, usually clearing within days, and suits time-sensitive or smaller shipments.

The Kenya Revenue Authority administers customs through its Customs and Border Control department. Returning residents and new arrivals may import used personal effects and one household’s worth of goods with relief from import duty, provided the goods were owned and used before the move and the inventory, the passport or visa, and the change-of-residence evidence are in order. We prepare the detailed packing list and supporting documentation in advance so your shipment is treated as a transfer of residence.

Who moves this route

The Dubai–Kenya corridor serves a broad mix. Households are the largest group — families and individuals relocating apartments and homes to Nairobi and the coast. Business and office moves are common, with companies and development organisations transferring staff, equipment and records to Kenyan premises. We also handle commercial freight, including stock and equipment for the Kenyan and wider East African market.

Where we deliver

We move regularly to Kenya’s major cities and surrounding regions:

• Nairobi — the capital and the primary destination for corporate and family relocations
• Mombasa — the coastal port city and the country’s gateway for sea freight
• Kisumu — the principal city on the shores of Lake Victoria
• Nakuru — a fast-growing city in the Rift Valley
• Eldoret — an agricultural and commercial centre in the western highlands
• Thika — an industrial town north-east of Nairobi

How your move works

1. Survey and quote. We assess volume and contents and return a clear, itemised quote with freight modes explained.
2. Document in advance. Dates are confirmed, sea or air space is booked, and the Kenyan customs paperwork is prepared before the shipment leaves the UAE.
3. Pack and ship. Our crew packs to export standard, builds a full inventory, and dispatches by sea or by air from DXB.
4. Clear and deliver. Our destination partner handles import clearance at Mombasa or Jomo Kenyatta International and coordinates onward delivery, unpacking and reassembly.

Whether you are moving a family home, an office or commercial freight from the UAE to Kenya, your move is handled from start to finish by one coordinator. Request a quote and we will map out the routing, timeline and customs steps.