Short answer
Key takeaways
- Regulator: Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
- Main entry port: Mombasa
- Sea transit 14–20 days
- Mixed-category containers keep landed cost low
Why Kenya buyers import surgical supply from India
India is one of the world's largest manufacturers of surgical instruments, disposables and hospital consumables. In Kenya, demand comes mainly from KEMSA tenders, county hospitals and faith-based facilities, and Indian sourcing typically lowers unit cost by 25–45% versus European brands while keeping CE and ISO certification.
Step 1 - Shortlist a certified exporter
Ask for the ISO 13485 certificate, CE documentation and export references in Africa. GlobalSurgicals shares these with every catalogue request.
Step 2 - Check Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) requirements
Most surgical products need to be registered or notified with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) before customs clearance. Your exporter should supply the dossier below.
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate of the manufacturing site
- CE certificate or declaration of conformity per product family
- Certificate of Free Sale issued in India
- Technical file / product dossier formatted for the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing list
- Batch-wise certificate of analysis and sterilisation validation (for sterile items)
Step 3 - Agree price, Incoterms and payment
Most Kenya importers buy CIF Mombasa or CFR. Common terms are T/T advance balance against B/L copy, or L/C at sight for tenders.
Step 4 - Ship and clear customs
LCL consolidation works from 1 CBM; distributors usually move to 20' or 40' FCL once they combine categories. Sea freight to Mombasa takes 14–20 days.
Step 5 - Build a repeat supply schedule
Set quarterly call-off orders so stock is produced ahead of your demand peaks and price is locked for the year.
Mistakes that slow down a first import
Most delays on a first shipment to Kenya come from avoidable gaps rather than the regulation itself.
- Asking for samples after placing the bulk order instead of before
- Splitting one order across several unverified exporters
- Submitting a Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) dossier with mismatched certificate dates
- Ordering single-category containers instead of consolidating, which inflates freight per unit
A realistic first-order timeline
Most new buyers in Kenya move from first enquiry to cleared cargo in 10–14 weeks: 1–2 weeks for samples and catalogue review, 2–3 weeks for Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) paperwork, about a week to confirm production, then 14–20 days of sea transit to Mombasa.
Sea freight
14–20 days
To Mombasa from Mundra or Nhava Sheva. Best for FCL/LCL container orders and mixed-category shipments.
Air freight
2–4 days
From Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai. Best for urgent, tender or high-value orders.
Documents we provide for Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate of the manufacturing site
- CE certificate or declaration of conformity per product family
- Certificate of Free Sale issued in India
- Technical file / product dossier formatted for the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing list
- Batch-wise certificate of analysis and sterilisation validation (for sterile items)
Where healthcare construction is growing in Kenya
- Nairobi - new private hospital wings and county referral facilities
- Konza Technopolis - a planned smart city
Get the Kenya surgical supply catalogue
Full catalogue and a CIF price list for Kenya, sent within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a surgical supply catalogue for Kenya?+
Request it on the GlobalSurgicals catalogue form or WhatsApp our export desk. We send the full catalogue and a Kenya price list (CIF Mombasa) within one business day.
How long does shipping from India to Kenya take?+
Sea freight to Mombasa takes about 14–20 days; air freight about 2–4 days.
Do I need an import licence for surgical supply in Kenya?+
Usually yes - importers register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and hold a medical-device importer or distributor licence. We provide every document needed for that registration.