JKIA Customs: Aaron Cheruiyot Urges Parliament To Go After KRA

Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has instructed the National Assembly to address the matter of the searches at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs section.

In a statement via X on Tuesday, October 31, Cheruiyot termed the searches as those bringing shame to the image of the country, coming after scores of Kenyans shared dreadful stories of going through customs officials at the country's biggest airport.

The Senator tasked the National Assembly Finance Committee to intervene in the matter and offer clarity on the distinguising of goods for commercial purposes and personal items travellers are entering with into the country.

“The National Assembly Finance committee holds the key to alleviating the national shame that is the KRA searches at JKIA. By providing the necessary clarity needed to distinguish goods for a commercial venture and personal items,” stated Cheruiyot.

His statement comes after KRA encountered hostility on the social media platform after announcing that Kenyans were to be subjected to mandatory taxation with regard to imported new or used goods, a statement that it deleted close to two hours after posting it on X.

"All goods whether new or used, are subject to taxation. However different passenger categories have different concessions and entitlements," the statement read.

"Remember when traveling, you will be allowed to carry personal or household items worth USD500 (Ksh75,300) and below. Anything above the amount shall be subjected to tax."

Another statement seen by Viral Tea from KRA read "All goods are subject to customs duty, however, passengers have a concession of USD 500 applicable only to goods for personal and/or household use. Passengers are also exempt on their used personal effects", a statement the tax authority also pulled down.

Beforehand, Kenyans took to X sharing harrowing tales of their encounters at JKIA with customs, triggered after one Maxwell Otieno took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn Kenyans flying into the country through JKIA on carrying electronics from abroad.

However, the taxman would respond through regulations Kenyans returning from abroad must meet. All passengers are subject to make declarations to the Customs Officer using the Passenger Declaration Form (Form F88).

According to KRA, the following items must be declared upon your arrival at the point of entry:

1. Items you purchase for business promotion and commercial purposes.
2. Items you purchase and are carrying with you upon return to Kenya.
3. Items you inherited while abroad.
4. Items you bought at duty-free shops on the ship, or on the plane e.g. Spirits, including liquors exceeding one litre or wine exceeding two litres. Perfumes and toiletries exceeding in total one litre of which the perfume should be more than a quarter (250ml). Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff exceeding 250 grams in total.
5. The non-consumable goods which will be exported within thirty days or a period not exceeding sixty days from the date the passenger leaves the country.
6. Repairs or alterations to any items you took abroad and are bringing back, even if the repairs/alterations were performed free of charge.
7. Items you brought home for someone else including gifts.
8. Items you intend to sell or use in your business, including business merchandise that you took out of Kenya on your trip.
9. Currency and monetary instruments over USD 10,000 [Ksh1.5 million] (or foreign equivalent).

Exemptions

Kenyans are entitled to apparel and personal and household effects which have been in their personal use or household use.

Custom duty is also not levied on spirits (including liquors) or wine, not exceeding one litre or wine not exceeding two litres respectively. Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff not exceeding 250 grammes in weight are also exempted from customs duty.

Inherited goods are also not liable for custom as long as are not for re-sale and inheritance for the traveller carrying them.

Matters regarding customs and border control in Kenya are regulated by the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004 (EACCMA).