Shipping experts have warned that from Saturday, consumers should prepare to dig deeper into their pockets for imported products and expect shipment delays.

According to the Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA), Kenyans should brace for a rise in commodity prices and significant delays as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) introduces new inspection and phytosanitary fees for agricultural imports and exports, effective March 1, 2025.

These fees apply to goods transported by both sea and air.

Some of the products that could be affected include flowers, avocados, coffee, and tea exports, as well as the import of fertilisers, animal and vegetable fats, and oils.