Import & RetailNationwide
Ex-UK Imports Merchandise
Good margins on unique imported goods, but success depends on navigating UK customs and building reliable supplier relationships.
01
Business structure
Import and retail business sourcing merchandise from UK suppliers for resale in Kenya.
02
Capital requirements
Breakdown in KES.
Figures below are estimates based on typical ranges, not guaranteed costs. Get quotes from local suppliers before committing capital.
Initial inventory purchase300,000 - 1,000,000
Rental deposit and rent20,000 - 50,000
Shipping and logistics (initial shipments)50,000 - 150,000
Licensing and registration10,000 - 30,000
Marketing10,000 - 50,000
Total initial investment400,000 - 1,280,000
03
Licensing & permits
Official steps, pulled live from Kenya's eProcedures portal.
Action plan
- Register business (sole prop or ltd company)
- Obtain a Single Business Permit from the county
- Register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK
- Obtain an EORI number for UK customs clearance
- Secure reliable UK suppliers and plan logistics/freight forwarding
Live official procedure — Kenya Investment Authority (eProcedures)
Government sites don't allow direct embedding, so we link straight to the official page below.
Open full procedure on eProcedures04
Target market
- Local retailers seeking unique products
- Consumers wanting imported goods
- E-commerce sellers sourcing for resale
05
Risk assessment
01Local retailer competition
02Customs regulation non-compliance
03Currency exchange rate fluctuations
06
Marketing strategies
Action plan
- Website and social media promotion
- Local advertising
- Referral programs
- Network with retailers and e-commerce platforms
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