Career paths · 3 min read
Clearing and forwarding jobs in Kenya: the EACFFPC and licensed agents
What clearing agents do, the EACFFPC course at KRA's school, how to check an agent is licensed, and where the jobs are.
Every container that lands in Mombasa or reaches an inland depot needs a customs declaration, and licensed customs agents do that work. It is a field where a one year course can open entry level jobs. Here is the qualification, the licensing rules for the firms that hire, and how to check an employer.
The qualification: EACFFPC
The East Africa Customs and Freight Forwarding Practising Certificate is the regional course for people working at customs agencies. In Kenya it is taught by the Kenya School of Revenue Administration, KRA's training school.
- Entry requirement: KCSE mean grade of C minus.
- Duration: one year, evenings and weekends only.
- Attendance: at least 80 per cent of lectures, seminars and tutorials, or you cannot register for the exams.
- Application fee: KSh 500 for members of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association, KSh 2,000 for other Kenyans. A further USD 100 is listed for training materials from the regional federation, FEAFFA.
- Where to apply: Times Tower in Nairobi, the KESRA Centre in Westlands or the KESRA campus in Mombasa.
The firms that hire are licensed by KRA
Customs agents are licensed under section 145 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004. KRA's notice of 21 September 2026 said current licences expire on 31 December 2026 and that renewals for 2027 had to be filed on its iCMS platform by 31 October 2026.
To renew, an agent submits Form C20, its company registration, a valid tax compliance certificate, a bond and debt clearance certificate, its previous C21 licence and a KIFWA clearance certificate. A firm that cannot show a current licence is not a customs agent.
The entry jobs
- Documentation clerk or assistant: preparing and checking invoices, packing lists and bills of lading.
- Declarant trainee: entering declarations under supervision.
- Field or runner roles at the port, container freight stations and inland depots.
- Logistics and transport coordinators at the larger forwarders.
Most of these jobs are in Mombasa and Nairobi, near the port, the airport and the inland container depots.
Check the employer before you start
Ask for the agent's KRA licence number and company name, and check that the firm is a member of KIFWA. Never pay an agent for a job or for an internship placement. If a firm asks you to work unpaid for months before it hires, ask for the terms in writing.
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Frequently asked questions
What qualification do I need for clearing and forwarding jobs in Kenya?
The East Africa Customs and Freight Forwarding Practising Certificate (EACFFPC) is the standard course. KESRA's requirements ask for KCSE C minus, and the course runs for a year in the evenings and at weekends.
How much does the EACFFPC application cost?
KESRA lists KSh 500 for KIFWA members and KSh 2,000 for other Kenyans, plus USD 100 for FEAFFA training materials.
How do I know a clearing agent is genuine?
Customs agents are licensed by KRA under section 145 of the EAC Customs Management Act and renew every year. Ask for the licence and check KIFWA membership.