BizPlans
Kenya Import Landed Cost Calculator: Price a Shipment Before Paying the Supplier
Kenya-first insights, practical and grounded.
Published 18/09/2026 - Updated 24/09/2026 - 2 min read
Kenya Import Landed Cost Calculator: Price a Shipment Before Paying the Supplier
The supplier's unit price is only one part of an importer's cost. A product can look cheap at origin and become uncompetitive after freight, Customs, conformity, storage, finance and local delivery.
The cost model
Use one consistent saleable unit, such as one piece, carton, kilogram or pack. Record:
- Supplier price and currency
- Quantity and minimum order
- Exchange-rate assumption and payment fees
- Freight, insurance and shipping mode
- Duty, VAT, excise, IDF, RDL and other current charges where applicable
- PVoC, inspection, permits and agent fees
- Port, CFS, storage, demurrage and handling estimates
- Local transport, warehouse, packaging, defects and returns
- Finance cost and the time before cash is collected
The result is not one universal percentage. Tax and levy treatment depends on the product, classification, value, origin and current law. KRA's import guidance and the EAC Common External Tariff should be checked for the exact commodity.
A simple formula
'Total landed cost = supplier goods + international costs + border costs + local costs + finance and loss allowances'
'Landed unit cost = total landed cost ÷ saleable units'
'Contribution per unit = selling price − landed unit cost − variable selling and delivery costs'
Run at least three scenarios. The downside case should include a weaker exchange rate, a delay, a defect or loss allowance, lower selling price and slower sales. A model that is profitable only at full sell-through is not a safe buying decision.
What to ask for before entering a number
Ask the supplier for a dated pro forma invoice, product specification, packing information, origin, MOQ, payment terms and Incoterm. Ask the freight or clearing professional for a written estimate that separates included and excluded destination charges. Ask what assumptions are still provisional.
Avoid copying a fee from a previous shipment. KRA's public pages can be updated at different times, and product-specific treatment differs. Use editable input cells with an as-of date rather than embedding a permanent rate in a formula.
The Kenya Import Landed Cost & Margin Planner includes quote intake, landed-cost build-up, price scenarios and decision checks.
Last verified: 18 September 2026. Import procedures, fees, taxes, permits, shipping terms and product standards change. Confirm the current requirement with the named authority and use your own dated quotation or record before committing money.
Sources
Business startup decision checklist
A free checklist to turn the next decision into a practical action.
More insights
Use the full model