The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has revealed plans to review the current limit governing goods that should be declared at entry points.
In an update on Thursday, November 2, KRA stated that it was working to raise the limit from the previously set cap of Ksh75,000.
However, the authority did not disclose the exact date the reviews would be effected.
“KRA is in the process of reviewing this regulation to a higher limit and this information shall be communicated to the public in due course.
According to the update statement, the East African Custom laws currently stipulate that all goods of up to the value of $500 (Ksh75,000) have to be declared as far as they are accompanied.
Additionally, KRA underscored that all personal items and effects will be exempted from the custom duties.
KRA on Why Screening Process is Essential
Further, the revenue authority broke down the essence of the clearance exercise requiring all luggage to be screened upon arrival at passenger entry points.
According to the statement, the process helps to, among other functions, ensure correct declarations for the purpose of taxation.
Further, KRA explained that the mandatory screening helps to prevent entry of prohibited and restricted goods for the safety of all Kenyans.
In cases where items are flagged out after the first line x-ray or non- intrusive scanning process, the luggage is subjected to a physical inspection by the Customs Officer.
As such, all passengers are required to declare the specified items in the Passenger Declaration Form (F88), prior to arrival in Kenya, and present it to a Customs Official at the point of entry- according to KRA.
Also Read: KRA Lists Phones, Fruit Juice Among Items You Can’t Bring to Kenya for Free
However, the authority added that a passenger has the right to raise questions about the assessed customs duty and may seek an explanation from the Customs Officer.
In terms of the mode of payment, KRA explained that Customs duty should be paid at appointed banks located within the terminals, or through mobile banking platform after the Customs Officer generates electronic payment slip.
KRA’s Announcement that Sparked Uproar
The update came on the back of a lengthy and heated conversation on KRA’s approach in determining goods that should be declared at entry points.
Also Read: KRA Clarifies Taxing All Goods Worth Over Ksh 75K at JKIA
Kenyans from various quarters had voiced grievances facing Kenyans at the JKIA in the hands of customs officials who were accused of harassing visitors.
Further, in a move to clear the air on the matter, the taxman announced that all goods valued at over Ksh75,000 should be declared upon arrival.
However, the explanation did not augur well with a majority of Kenyans and ended being controversial.
Kenyans including high-ranking government officials opposed the regulation and described it as an impediment to Kenya’s tourism.