Several established moving companies in Kenya specialize in international relocations, providing comprehensive services for individuals and families moving to and from Kenya. These companies handle the complex logistics of overseas moves, including customs clearance, international shipping, and coordination with global moving networks.
Major International Moving Companies
Crown Relocations Kenya
Crown Relocations is one of the most established international moving companies operating in Kenya, with over 50 years of global experience. They offer comprehensive international relocation services including household goods shipping, corporate relocations, and specialized services for expatriates. Their global network spans over 60 countries, making them particularly strong for moves to Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Crown provides door-to-door service, customs clearance, temporary storage, and destination services including home search assistance and school enrollment support.
AGS Four Winds Kenya
AGS Four Winds is a leading international moving company with extensive experience in Africa and global relocations. They operate one of the largest moving networks in Africa and provide comprehensive international moving services from Kenya to destinations worldwide. Their services include household goods shipping, vehicle transportation, pet relocation, and comprehensive destination services. AGS Four Winds is particularly strong in moves to Europe, other African countries, and former French colonies due to their historical connections.
Interem Relocations
Interem Relocations specializes in both local and international moves with a focus on corporate relocations and expatriate services. They provide full international moving services including packing, shipping, customs clearance, and destination services. Their network covers major global destinations with particular strength in moves to the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Gerson Relocation Services
While primarily known for local moves, Gerson Relocation Services has expanded to offer international moving services, particularly for moves within the East African region and to other Commonwealth countries. They provide competitive rates for international moves and work with global partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
DHL Global Forwarding Kenya
DHL offers international moving services through their global forwarding division, leveraging their extensive logistics network for household goods transportation. They provide door-to-door service, customs clearance, and tracking services for international relocations.
Bollore Logistics Kenya
Bollore Logistics provides international moving services as part of their comprehensive logistics solutions. They have particular strength in moves to and from France and other European destinations, as well as other African countries.
Types of International Moving Services
Household Goods Shipping
Complete household relocations including furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and household items. This typically involves sea freight for cost-effective transportation of large volumes, with air freight options for urgent or high-value items.
Corporate Relocations
Specialized services for companies relocating employees internationally, including policy management, cost control, temporary accommodation, and comprehensive support services for employees and their families.
Diplomatic Moves
Specialized services for diplomatic personnel, including understanding of diplomatic protocols, customs exemptions, and security requirements.
Student Moves
Services tailored for students moving for education, typically involving smaller shipments and flexible timing to coordinate with academic schedules.
Partial Relocations
Services for clients who need to ship only specific items internationally while leaving other belongings in Kenya or acquiring new items at their destination.
International Shipping Methods
Sea Freight
The most cost-effective option for large household relocations, sea freight typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on the destination. Companies offer both Full Container Load (FCL) for large moves and Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments that share container space.
Air Freight
Faster but more expensive option typically used for urgent relocations, high-value items, or partial moves. Air freight usually takes 1-2 weeks for delivery but costs significantly more than sea freight.
Combined Services
Many companies offer combined shipping solutions using sea freight for the majority of household goods and air freight for immediate necessities, providing a balance of cost and convenience.
Popular Destination Countries
Europe
Strong connections exist for moves to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, and other European Union countries. Many companies have established networks and partnerships in these regions.
North America
Regular services to the United States and Canada, with established customs clearance procedures and destination service networks.
Australia and New Zealand
Well-established routes and services to Australia and New Zealand, popular destinations for Kenyan emigrants and expatriates.
Middle East
Strong connections to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states, driven by employment opportunities in these regions.
Other African Countries
Regional services to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and other African nations, often more cost-effective due to shorter distances and regional trade agreements.
Asia
Services to major Asian destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, India, and China, though these may require more complex routing and longer transit times.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
Pre-Move Services
International moving companies provide detailed consultations, cost estimates, customs documentation assistance, and moving timeline planning. Many offer pre-move surveys to assess requirements and provide accurate quotations.
Packing and Crating
Professional international packing using export-quality materials and techniques designed to protect belongings during long-distance transportation and multiple handling points. Custom crating is available for valuable or fragile items.
Customs Clearance
Expert handling of customs documentation, duty calculations, and clearance procedures in both Kenya and destination countries. This includes understanding of restricted items, duty-free allowances, and required documentation.
Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive international moving insurance options protecting against loss or damage during the extended transportation period. Coverage options typically include basic coverage and full replacement value protection.
Destination Services
Many companies provide destination services including temporary accommodation assistance, home search support, school enrollment help, utility connections, and cultural orientation programs.
Pet Relocation
Specialized services for relocating pets internationally, including veterinary documentation, quarantine arrangements, and transportation coordination.
Vehicle Shipping
Services for shipping personal vehicles internationally, including cars, motorcycles, and boats, with understanding of import regulations and procedures.
Cost Factors and Considerations
Volume and Weight
International moving costs are primarily determined by the volume and weight of belongings being shipped, with sea freight priced by container volume and air freight by weight.
Distance and Destination
Shipping costs vary significantly based on destination, with some routes being more expensive due to limited service availability or complex logistics.
Service Level
Full-service relocations including packing, customs clearance, and destination services cost more than basic shipping services where clients handle preparation and clearance themselves.
Timing and Seasonality
Peak moving seasons and urgent relocations typically cost more than flexible timing, and some destinations have seasonal variations in shipping availability and pricing.
Currency Fluctuations
International moves involve multiple currencies, and exchange rate fluctuations can affect final costs, particularly for moves with extended timelines.
Choosing the Right International Moving Company
Experience and Reputation
Look for companies with extensive international moving experience and positive reviews from previous clients. Verify their experience with your specific destination country.
Network and Partnerships
Strong global networks and partnerships ensure smooth coordination and service quality throughout the moving process, particularly important for complex international relocations.
Licensing and Accreditation
Verify that companies are properly licensed for international operations and hold relevant accreditations from international moving associations.
Service Integration
Choose companies that can provide end-to-end service integration, minimizing the number of different parties involved in your international move.
Communication and Support
International moves require ongoing communication and support. Choose companies with responsive customer service and clear communication protocols.
International moving from Kenya is well-served by several professional companies with global networks and comprehensive service offerings. The choice of company should be based on your specific destination, service requirements, budget, and timeline. Most established international movers can provide detailed information about services, costs, and procedures for your specific international relocation needs.