A Diploma in Clearing, Forwarding and Shipping Management prepares students for work in cargo logistics, shipping documentation, customs processes, freight operations and transport coordination. The course is useful to learners interested in moving goods through ports, airports, inland depots, warehouses and international trade routes.
What is clearing and forwarding?
Clearing involves preparing the information and documents required for goods to pass through customs and other regulatory processes. Forwarding involves organising transport, handling and delivery of cargo. Shipping management adds knowledge of vessel services, cargo movements, transport contracts and international trade.
Units covered in the diploma
- Introduction to shipping and global trade.
- Customs procedures, import/export documentation and declarations.
- Freight forwarding, shipment tracking and multimodal transport.
- Port, warehouse and terminal operations.
- Cargo handling, packaging, storage and insurance.
- Trade terms, transport contracts and bills of lading.
- Tariff classification, valuation and duties.
- Digital customs systems, compliance and recordkeeping.
- Health, safety, security and dangerous-goods awareness.
- Customer service, business communication and logistics management.
Is the programme recognised in Kenya?
The TVET Authority’s official course catalogue lists Clearing and Forwarding Management at Level 6 under TVET-CDACC. The catalogue identifies qualifications, but a learner must separately confirm which licensed college offers the course at its chosen campus. Some colleges may advertise related awards under titles such as Shipping and Logistics, Maritime Transport, Customs Administration or Freight Forwarding.
Where to study
Start with the TVETA course-and-institution directory to identify currently listed providers. Other institutions may offer relevant shipping or maritime logistics courses, but approval for one programme does not necessarily cover every course or occupational licence. Check the awarding body, course title, entry criteria and practical training offered before making a payment.
Entry requirements and duration
For a typical Level 6 diploma, the KUCCPS minimum mean grade is commonly KCSE C− or C, depending on the programme. Certificate or Level 5 training can provide another pathway where recognised. Duration depends on modules, practical assessment and any attachment with a shipping agent, customs agent, port operator or transport business.
Does the diploma make you a licensed customs agent?
No. Completing a training programme does not automatically grant a licence to operate as a customs clearing agent. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has a separate customs-agent licensing procedure for eligible businesses, involving an application, tax-compliance records, corporate documentation and other requirements. Individuals working for an agent may also need the appropriate training and system access.
KRA publishes the procedure for becoming a customs agent. Applicants should use current KRA notices because licensing conditions, submission procedures and fees may change.
Career opportunities
- Clearing and forwarding assistant.
- Shipping documentation officer.
- Freight operations assistant.
- Import/export administrator.
- Warehouse, cargo or terminal coordinator.
- Customer service officer at a logistics company.
- Customs compliance support officer.
- Transport and distribution coordinator.
How to choose a training college
- Check TVETA licensing for the exact campus.
- Confirm the Level 6 or diploma qualification and its current awarding body.
- Ask about training in KRA customs processes and digital systems.
- Find out whether the college offers practical projects, industrial attachment or port visits.
- Compare total tuition and examination charges.
- Verify the college’s current intake and admission procedure before applying.
Official sources and further information
- TVET Authority: registered and licensed institutions
- TVET Authority: course and qualification directory
- KUCCPS: diploma entry grades and placement
- TVETA catalogue: Clearing and Forwarding Management Level 6
- KRA customs-agent licensing
- KRA 2026 notice for 2027 customs-agent licence renewal
