East African gold export - whether in raw nugget, dore, or concentrate form - is one of the most misunderstood compliance environments in global commodity trade. The process involves multiple government agencies, overlapping regulatory frameworks, and significant discretionary elements that only in-country expertise can navigate reliably.
Kenya Gold Export - Step by Step
Step 1 - Mining Licence and Export Permit Verification
Every gold seller in Kenya must hold a valid Mining Licence from the Mining and Petroleum Directorate (MPD). Hasnihl verifies the licence status directly with the MPD - not from seller-supplied documents. We cross-reference the licence against the public mining cadastre and confirm that royalties are current.
Step 2 - Central Bank of Kenya Gold Valuation
All gold dore exports from Kenya require a valuation certificate from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The CBK inspects the consignment, assays a sample, and issues a valuation certificate that becomes the basis for royalty calculation. This process typically takes 5-10 business days and requires advance scheduling.
Step 3 - Assay Certification
An independent assay from a KEBS-accredited laboratory (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or ALS) is required to confirm fineness. The assay certificate must accompany the export documentation and will be cross-checked against the buyer's receiving assay at the destination refinery. Significant discrepancies trigger dispute protocols.
Uganda Gold Export - Key Differences
DGSM Export Permit
Uganda requires an export permit from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). Unlike Kenya's CBK process, the DGSM permit is issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and requires proof of the producing licence, royalty settlement receipt, and DGSM-approved assay.
Bank of Uganda Gold Valuation Certificate
The Bank of Uganda (BOU) must issue a gold valuation certificate before any export. The BOU process is independent of the DGSM permit and must be completed in sequence. Total export clearance time in Uganda, including both BOU and DGSM processes, typically runs 10-21 business days from complete document submission.
Key Takeaways
- Kenya: MPD licence → CBK valuation → KEBS assay → KYC/AML → customs clearance
- Uganda: DGSM export permit → BOU valuation certificate → approved assay → customs clearance
- Both jurisdictions: KYC/AML documentation on seller and buyer is non-negotiable
- Typical Kenya clearance: 7-14 business days. Uganda: 10-21 business days
- Hasnihl manages the full process end-to-end with in-country representatives