SKF Kenya is setting a new benchmark in customer experience with the adoption of a new logistics framework that reduces landed costs, accelerates delivery and integrates seamlessly with global distribution models, ensuring customers benefit from a smarter, modernized and more connected supply chain.
“SKF Kenya has successfully introduced the new FCA (Free Carrier) system across two customer warehouses,” says Vivian Waithira, Digital Account Manager. “For our long‑standing customer and authorized distributor in Kenya, active in construction supplies, hardware, plumbing, heating equipment and bearings, we transitioned from the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) model that had been in place since 2020 to the FCA platform. Meanwhile, our second customer, whom we onboarded in 2025, is now also using the FCA system to streamline their import and export operations.”
Under the former DDP system, SKF was responsible for managing import duties, customs clearance and local delivery to the customer’s premises. Waithira explains that this approach drove up operational costs and added layers of complexity around import and customs responsibilities, while customers simply received goods at their warehouse without logistical involvement. SKF absorbed all freight, customs and delivery costs, which were then recharged to the customer. “In addition to high logistics expenses, we also faced a heavy administrative workload, slower order turnaround and often longer lead times due to importer‑of‑record processes.”
“Recognizing that customers needed sharper pricing and greater control over logistics, while SKF sought to reduce cost exposure and refocus manpower on core business, we engaged our customers in detailed discussions to transition from DDP to FCA,” notes Waithira. “The seamless transition was underpinned by extensive consultation and alignment, strengthened by the SKF Kenya team’s support. Mickael Diacre, Sales Manager East Africa and Gloria Gakuo, Channel Sales Manager, played a pivotal role in addressing operational, commercial and technical challenges.”
By efficiently executing detailed transition planning ahead of ‘go‑live’, including pre‑shipment testing to validate handover procedures, the SKF Kenya team ensured minimal downtime for customers. “We also conducted customer briefings to prevent delays in the first FCA shipments and established dedicated customer support channels during rollout,” adds Waithira. In parallel, the SKF Kenya team coordinated closely with the Belgium logistics hub to guarantee timely loading and release of goods. These measures ensured a smooth transition and uninterrupted supply.
Waithira explains that under the new FCA framework, Belgium serves as the export hub. SKF prepares the goods, which are then handed over to the customer’s nominated freight forwarder for collection. Once SKF delivers to the designated hand‑over point, responsibility shifts to the buyer, who manages international freight, customs clearance and local delivery. This means customers now collect shipments directly from Belgium and receive goods at their warehouse without SKF’s logistical involvement. By using their own clearing agents, customers accelerate movement through customs, making shipment handling simpler, faster and more predictable for everyone involved.
Overall, the FCA model delivers clear advantages: Sharper pricing through direct management of freight, greater control over routing, carriers and delivery timelines as well as enhanced reliability in planning. For customers, the shift translates into meaningful cost transparency, competitive pricing and full logistics control. The result is a supply chain that is leaner, faster and firmly in the customer’s hands.
Within the newly implemented FCA model, SKF’s responsibilities include updating order processing and internal ERP systems to support FCA, coordinating with global distribution hubs – particularly Belgium, preparing commercial documentation such as packing lists, invoices and export declarations as well as establishing collection protocols for customers’ freight forwarders. The team also provides customers with clear requirements for forwarder registration and pickup procedures. Importantly, the new system gives customers real‑time shipment visibility and streamlined communications, ensuring transparency and confidence throughout the process.
To further ensure a smooth transition and optimum system usage, SKF provided customers with targeted logistics and process‑orientation training. This included an overview of FCA responsibilities, documentation requirements and forwarder pickup procedures. “We also shared updates on import and customs handling under FCA, along with best practices for lead‑time planning,” notes Waithira. “By adopting FCA, SKF has ushered in a new era of efficiency and transparency within the logistics space. The model frees up valuable SKF manpower to focus on core business priorities, reduces administrative burden, accelerates internal processing and minimizes logistics‑related escalations, all while streamlining operational workflows. FCA represents a more efficient, customer‑centric logistics framework with measurable benefits for both parties. By enabling faster export handling and greater flexibility, customers gain the clarity and control they need to drive sustainable business growth,” concludes Waithira.
