Switzerland is a landlocked country located in the heart of Europe with many Kenyan exporters looking to venture into its market. If you are looking to send or receive parcels from Kenya to Switzerland, then your shipping journey will involve air, sea and ground transportation depending on your needs.

At the forefront of the the Kenya to Switzerland route is Wakah Logistics, a trusted logistics and freight company based in East Africa. Wakah Logistics offers a seamless, efficient, and compliance-driven approach to shipping from Kenya to Switzerland and vice versa. This detailed guide walks you through the procedures, opportunities, and logistics solutions involved in Kenya and Switzerland trade.

Export and Import to Switzerland

Trade Opportunities Between Kenya and Switzerland

Overview of Bilateral Trade
Trade between Kenya and Switzerland is built on mutual strengths: Kenya offers agricultural exports, while Switzerland exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, and high-value consumer goods. Swiss businesses are increasingly sourcing sustainable and fair-trade goods from Kenya, while Kenyan businesses seek reliable access to European products.

Key Kenyan Exports to Switzerland:

  • Cut flowers and horticultural products
  • Tea and coffee (especially organic and fair-trade)
  • Avocados, mangoes, and other tropical fruits
  • Macadamia and cashew nuts
  • Handicrafts and artisanal leather products

Top Swiss Exports to Kenya:

  • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
  • Precision machinery and industrial tools
  • Watches and luxury goods
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Processed food and health supplements

Emerging Trends

E-commerce, B2B procurement, and environmentally conscious trade practices are creating new growth opportunities. Swiss companies increasingly value transparent sourcing, and Wakah Logistics facilitates compliance with such expectations.

Exporting from Kenya to Switzerland with Wakah Logistics

Exporting from Kenya to Switzerland with Wakah Logistics

Wakah Logistics provides end-to-end solutions for businesses exporting from Kenya to Switzerland. Whether it is perishables requiring cold chain, bulky industrial goods, and small parcels for e-commerce, Wakah offers tailored shipping solutions.

Step-by-Step Export Process

Cargo Pickup in Kenya:

Scheduled door-to-door pickup across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Thika

  • FTL (Full Truck Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) options available
Packaging and Documentation:
  • Professional packaging for fragile or perishable items
  • Documentation support:
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (from KNCCI)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants/produce)
  • KEBS Certification
Customs Clearance in Kenya:
  • Classification using HS Codes
  • Lodging of export entries with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
  • Export permit facilitation for regulated items

Freight Booking:

Air Freight to Switzerland:

  • Fast delivery (4–7 business days)Best for perishables, urgent goods

Sea Freight to Switzerland:

  • Consolidated or Full Container Load
  • Transit time: 25–40 days (via European ports such as Rotterdam or Hamburg)

Swiss Import Coordination:

  • Partnered agents ensure smooth clearance
  • Delivery across cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne
  • Optional last-mile courier or warehouse drop-off

Export Modes Supported

  • FCL, LCL, and parcel shipments
  • Cold chain for flowers, fruits, and sensitive goods
  • Dangerous Goods (DG) compliant shipping
  • Consolidated cargo for SMEs
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Wakah Logistics provides end-to-end solutions for businesses exporting from Kenya to Switzerland. Whether it is perishables requiring cold chain, bulky industrial goods, or small parcels for e-commerce

Export Case Study:

A Kenyan flower exporter shipping weekly to Zurich uses Wakah’s air freight with cold chain. Wakah provides packaging, labeling, customs support, and end-to-end delivery in under 5 days.

Importing to Kenya from Switzerland with Wakah Logistics

Swiss exports to Kenya are characterized by high-value goods, making professional handling and secure logistics a must. Wakah simplifies import shipping for businesses, NGOs, hospitals, and private clients.

Common Imports:

  • Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
  • Lab and hospital equipment
  • Watches and luxury items
  • Chocolate and specialty food products
  • Engineering tools and devices

Import Process via Wakah:

Supplier Coordination in Switzerland:

Communication with suppliers for cargo readiness

Verification of documentation and standards

Pre-Shipment Inspection:

Required for goods needing KEBS PVoC (Pre-Verification of Conformity)

Inspection arrangement for sensitive cargo

Freight Booking:

Air Freight (via Zurich, Basel): 5–8 days

Sea Freight (via Rotterdam/Hamburg to Mombasa): 30–45 days

Kenya Customs Clearance:

Lodging Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Tariff classification and taxes/VAT assessment

Clearance through KRA, KEBS, and Public Health

Final Delivery in Kenya:

Door-to-door delivery across Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and more

Parcel service or FTL depending on cargo size

Wakah Provides:

IDF and CoO documentation

Liaison with Swiss and Kenyan authorities

Tracking and real-time updates

Local Courier and Freight Services within Kenya

For efficient last-mile delivery, Wakah integrates international logistics and local courier operations.

Coverage:

  • Nairobi to Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Thika, Meru, Isiolo, Nanyuki
  • Services Offered:
  • FTL (Full Truck Load)
  • LCL (Less than Container Load)
  • Door-to-door parcel courier
  • Same-day or next-day delivery
  • Real-time tracking and proof of delivery
  • Consolidation Services:
  • Consolidated cargo to reduce cost
  • Weekly groupage schedules
  • E-commerce fulfillment, COD (Cash on Delivery), inventory handling

These services are ideal for distributors, e-commerce companies, SMEs, and international brands entering the Kenyan market.

Compliance and Documentation

Key Export Documents (Kenya to Switzerland):

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • KEBS Certificate
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (where applicable)
  • Key Import Documents (Switzerland to Kenya):

Supplier Invoice

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

Certificate of Conformity

Import Declaration Form

Product-specific permits

Prohibited/Restricted Items:

Wildlife and derivatives

Hazardous chemicals

Medicines without approval

Arms and military-grade equipment

Wakah’s Compliance Support:

  • Documentation review
  • Labeling and repackaging
  • Translation (French/German to English)
  • Export/import license application support

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