You have paid your Duty, Excise, and VAT. You think you are done. Then your clearing agent sends you a "Port Release Invoice" for Ksh 85,000.

Clients often think the agent is eating this money. In reality, the agent only keeps a small fraction. The rest goes to the Shipping Line (e.g., MOL, Hoegh) and the Container Freight Station (CFS).

Here is exactly where that money goes, so you can audit your next invoice.

1. The Agent's Professional Fee (The "Labor")

This is the only money the clearing agent actually keeps.

  • The Cost: Typically Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 40,000 per car.
  • The Service: For this fee, they lodge the Customs Entry, locate the car at the port, oversee verification, install number plates, and drive it out.
⚠️ Warning: If an agent quotes you Ksh 5,000, be careful. They usually underquote to get the job, then hold your car ransom later with hidden "miscellaneous" fees.

2. Shipping Line Fees (The "Delivery Order")

Before the shipping line releases the car to you, you must pay them for the voyage paperwork.

  • Delivery Order (D/O) Fee: The fee to issue the release document. Approx $75 - $100 (Ksh 10,000 - 14,000).
  • Terminal Handling: Even for RoRo, lines sometimes charge equipment management fees of $30 - $60.

3. CFS Charges (The "Parking Fee")

When a car arrives in Mombasa, it is moved from the ship to a designated "Car Park" called a Container Freight Station (CFS).

  • Handling & Wharfage: You pay the CFS for offloading and storing the car.
  • Cost: Ksh 25,000 to Ksh 40,000 for a standard SUV.
  • Note: This covers the first few days (Free Period). If you delay clearance, you pay daily storage penalties.

4. The Government "Small Fees"

These are minor mandatory payments often grouped as "Petty Cash."

  • Number Plates: Approx Ksh 3,500 (Paid to NTSA/Prisons).
  • Third Identifier (Sticker): Approx Ksh 800.
  • Token Fees: Ksh 1,000 - 2,000 for KPA gate passes.

Summary: The "Port Clearance" Budget

If you are importing a standard unit (Harrier/Forester), budget roughly Ksh 85,000 to Ksh 100,000 on top of your taxes.

Item Estimated Cost
Agent Fee ~30,000
Shipping Line (D/O) ~15,000
CFS Handling ~35,000
NTSA/Misc ~5,000
TOTAL ESTIMATE ~Ksh 85,000