REVEALED: Items Restricted, Prohibited By KRA While Entering Kenya
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has outlined how it screens passengers arriving in the country, revealing details about prohibited and restricted items, as well as what travellers must declare at the airport.
According to KRA, every bag from an international flight is scanned as soon as it arrives, with the process conducted by KRA officials to monitor and identify anything unusual.
“When you arrive from another country, at the airport, there are KRA officials,” said a KRA Customs Officer.
“All the luggage from a plane is scanned for security purposes. A KRA official will be trying to check this bag and what it could be carrying.”
Speaking during an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast, the KRA Customs Officer revealed that the luggage is screened twice, with the initial process known as primary screening.
At the primary stage, screening is conducted quickly, but any suspicious luggage is marked for further review using more advanced 3D scanning systems.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
As per KRA, restricted items are allowed into Kenya, but only under specific conditions and with proper documentation, while prohibited items are not allowed into the country.
Among the restricted items by KRA include a gun, a drone and medical drugs.
For these items, one needs a special permission or justification to be allowed in the country with the items. On the other hand, prohibited items are mainly hard drugs.
“We check the restricted items, those are things that are allowed into this country but are controlled,” KRA stated.
“For example, guns and drugs can also come as long as they have a prescription.“
“Items such as drones also fall under this category and require authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),” the Authority added.
“Drones are restricted because you need a permit. Drones can be used in war for surveillance.”
The Authority advised passengers to be transparent about what they are carrying, ensure they have permits for restricted goods, and avoid prohibited items to ensure a smooth entry process into Kenya.
Duty-Free Items and Declaration Rules
Passengers entering Kenya are allowed to bring in personal items duty-free, which are worth up to $2000, with items beyond the threshold subject to tax.
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KRA officers noted that the Authority monitors the quantity and nature of goods being brought into the country, with travellers carrying unusually large amounts of luggage subjected to additional checks.
According to KRA, a passenger will be subjected to additional taxes if the Authority finds out that the items being brought in are meant for trade and not personal items.
“Basically, if your items are below $2000 and they are personal, we do not charge taxes,” KRA stated.
“However, if you carry items that are below $2000 but are meant for trade, we will tax you because it is not your personal item.”
REVEALED: Items Restricted, Prohibited By KRA While Entering Kenya
