For families and professionals moving internationally, waiting weeks—or even months—for belongings to arrive is incredibly stressful. In 2025, those waits have unfortunately grown longer. Shipments are taking more time than usual to reach their destinations, causing understandable frustration for international movers in Kenya, their partners and clients – especially when delays force you into extra expenses like extended hotel stays or temporary rentals.
What’s behind this global shipping slowdown, and how is it affecting international moves from Kenya? In short, a perfect storm of worldwide logistics challenges. There’s a common saying: “When the U.S. coughs, the world catches a cold.” In 2025 this feels especially true – changes in major economies (like new U.S. tariffs or trade disputes) are sending shockwaves through ports, boardrooms, and households across the globe. These ripple effects, combined with ongoing port congestion and other disruptions, have made international relocation services slower and costlier than at any time in recent memory.
At Nellions Moving & Relocations, we believe in transparency and proactive communication. The current shipping delays are largely outside the control of any single moving company or carrier – they stem from broad, interconnected factors shaping global trade. However, how we respond and support you is within our control. Below, we outline what’s happening in the shipping world right now, why it’s affecting international movers in Kenya, and what we (and you) can do to navigate these challenges together.
Why Are Shipments Taking Longer in 2025?
Several converging issues are slowing down international relocation timelines in 2025.
1. Severe Port Congestion Worldwide
Major seaports across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas are experiencing unprecedented congestion. Ships often wait offshore before unloading, while containers pile up on docks. By mid-2025, nearly all major container ports report operational disruptions, creating the worst bottlenecks since the COVID-19 era. Global on-time ship arrivals have dropped from ~80–90% pre-2020 to below 60% today.
For families or businesses moving internationally from Nairobi, this means shipments that used to take 6–8 weeks now often stretch to 10–12 weeks.
2. Geopolitical Disruptions and Trade Disputes
Heightened global tensions are wreaking havoc on shipping routes and schedules. U.S. tariffs, retaliatory trade measures, and regional conflicts have led to rerouted vessels, longer voyages, and soaring costs. Many shipping lines now avoid the Red Sea or Persian Gulf, instead circling the Cape of Good Hope—adding weeks to transit times for overseas moving companies and their clients.
3. China’s Economic Slowdown & Transshipment Bottlenecks
With China’s export volumes reduced, shipping schedules have become erratic. Transshipment hubs—critical points for container transfers—are under severe strain, leading to missed connections and unexpected storage times. Even when international movers in Kenya book optimal routes, delays at these hubs can add days or weeks to a move.
4. Unpredictable Schedule Changes by Shipping Lines
In 2025, carriers frequently cancel (“blank”) sailings or change port calls at the last minute. These sudden changes disrupt carefully planned relocations. For clients working with professional international relocation services, it can mean a container once due in 6 weeks is suddenly pushed much further out.
From Global Challenges to Personal Impact
What do these issues mean for you, the transferee or family? Quite simply, international relocation delays translate into:
-
Longer transit times & uncertainty – what was 6 weeks may now take 10–12.
-
Tighter customs and paperwork hurdles – new tariffs and inspections slow clearance.
-
Higher costs – extended hotel stays, temporary rentals, or storage.
-
Emotional stress – living without your belongings while trying to settle abroad.
Whether you’re moving your household or relying on corporate relocation services in Kenya, these realities must be factored into your relocation planning.
How Nellions Supports You During Shipping Delays
While we cannot singlehandedly resolve port congestion or global politics, Nellions Moving & Relocations has responded to the 2025 shipping crisis by becoming more than movers – we are your relocation advisors.
We support our international moving clients through:
-
Close shipment monitoring – daily communication with shipping lines and port agents.
-
Proactive communication – you’ll know about schedule changes the moment we do.
-
Strategic planning – identifying safer, faster routes and creating contingency plans.
-
Personalized guidance – advising on customs, packing, and essentials to carry.
What You Can Do to Prepare for International Moves in 2025
To minimize stress when working with international movers in Kenya, here are some steps you can take:
-
Start the process early – book your international relocation services as soon as possible.
-
Build flexibility into your schedule – plan for longer transit windows.
-
Carry essential items with you – important documents, medications, and basics should not go in your shipment.
-
Stay in touch – keep close communication with your relocation coordinator.
Our Commitment
Moving across borders is more than logistics—it’s a life transition. At Nellions, we know that behind every shipment are the pieces of your home, your career, and your family’s comfort.
Our role as trusted international movers in Kenya is to minimize uncertainty, maximize transparency, and guide you through every step of the process.
Global shipping delays may be beyond your control, but how we support you through them is firmly within ours.
Planning an international move in 2025? Trust Nellions Moving & Relocations—your partner for seamless, reliable, and professional international relocation services in Kenya.
