The Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Humphrey Wattanga, has indicated that confiscated goods at customs points can be collected.
Speaking after a tour at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Passenger Terminal, with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Tuesday, November 7, Wattanga stated that the goods could be collected by tourists at exit points.
Notably, the authority did not indicate any changes made in their customs regulations following an uproar from Kenyans.
“It is important to note that all goods intercepted at the Point of Entry, particularly firearms and drones, must have required permits issued by relevant state departments,” stated Wattanga.
“However, visitors can retrieve their belongings at the exit point as they depart,” he added.
Also Read: KRA Lists Phones, Fruit Juice Among Items You Can’t Bring to Kenya for Free
Resolutions Made by KRA After Tour at JKIA
At the same time, Wattanga stated that customs authority officers ensured that operations were fast, seamless and customer friendly.
Additionally, he noted that the authority had agreed to work with the ministry of tourism to inform visitors about any necessary documentation at the borders.
“In the future, in collaboration with the ministry of tourism, we will proactively inform visitors about the necessary documentation needed for such items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition across our borders,” he added.
Furthermore, the KRA boss reiterated that officers would ensure that passengers were accorded respect, and their luggage would be handled with respect.
“At the heart of our mission is ensuring that passengers are accorded the dignity and respect they deserve and seeing to it that their belongings are handled with grace,” noted Wattanga.
The officials were shown some of the confiscated items at the airport including ammunition, guns, and electronics.
Also Read: KRA Clarifies Taxing All Goods Worth Over Ksh 75K at JKIA
Mutua’s Earlier Reaction to Uproar
Earlier on October 30, Mutua called out custom officials at the JKIA over harassment complaints stating that it was a challenge to Kenya’s tourism.
According to Mutua, the complaints of harassment caused many tourists to choose other destinations instead of coming to Kenya.
He also compared how tourists were treated at JKIA to other regulations imposed in Kenya’s competitors in the tourism sector.
In addition, the CS promised to address the concerns and push for changes in the KRA process at the JKIA and other entry points.
“Then we start wondering why they don’t come back. They go to Rwanda, and they are not harassed, doesn’t Rwanda collect taxes,” Mutua questioned.
Uproar Over Customs at Kenya’s Airport
Mutua’s sentiments sparked an online storm which was followed by an attempt at clarification from KRA indicating that they only taxed goods worth ($500) Ksh75,000 and above.
“Remember when you are travelling you will be allowed to carry personal or household items worth $500 and below. Anything above the amount shall be subjected to tax,” KRA stated.
However, the post sparked even more outrage, with Kenyans accusing the cap of being too low.
As a result, the revenue authority removed the post shortly after the backlash, resulting in additional criticism.
