KRA Issues Directives to Kenyans Flying Out and Those Returning

Kenya Revenue Authority has issued a travel advisory for Kenyans flying out and those returning ahead of the festive season.

In a notice shared with Nairobileo, the taxman informed Kenyans that they must declare upon exit items that they will return with. Items listed under this category include cameras, and accessories for filming, sporting equipment, items exported for repair or alterations and musical instruments

However, when returning KRA advised Kenyans to duly fill out prescribed passenger declaration forms. The authority indicated that all items brought back for commercial purposes will be taxed.

"All arriving passengers are required to make declarations using the prescribed Passenger Declaration Form(s) (Form F88)," the notice dated Friday, December 22 read in part.

" Passengers with accompanied luggage are exempted on their used personal items. However, used goods imported for commercial purposes attract taxes." KRA noted.

Moreover, KRA advised travellers to declare any foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent upon arrival and before departure.

At the same time, the taxman warned Kenyans against trying to sneak in prohibited items when returning. Banned items include narcotic drugs, firearms, counterfeit currency and shisha.

To enable KRA to nab those trying to bypass the customs laws, KRA announced that all pieces of luggage would be frisked by designated officials.

"Customs Officers are permitted by the law to examine passenger's luggage and conduct body searches based on intelligence and profiled security information possessed by Customs officers. However, in the process of the body search, the officer will observe high standards of human dignity," KRA made it clear.

The new standards are expected to help officials at the airports to execute their duties seamlessly.