The Kenya Revenue Authority has found itself on the wrong side with Kenyans over plans of taxing travellers at JKIA with goods worth over USD 500, which is equivalent of Kshs75,000.
In a tweet that was shared earlier, KRA said that the directive cuts across all goods whether new or old.
“All goods whether new or used, are subject to taxation. However different passenger categories have different concession and entitlements,” the tax man shared on X.
The information displeased Kenyans, some pointing out challenges they encounter at JKIA including long queues and exploitation.
Following the uproar, David Ontweka, the KRA deputy commissioner for policy and international affairs, customs and border, has however come out to set the record straight concerning the issue.
“I’ve seen something coming out saying we are taxing everything that you are coming with when you have travelled out of the country you’ll always come with the clothes, the bags.
“Where you purchased goods that are more than 500 dollars you will be required to declare them for example if you go out there and you buy a phone and you go with another phone, you will be required to come and tell the officer that I have an extra phone,” he told Citizen TV.
On the other hand, KRA’s Chief manager for passenger clearance at JKIA Sally Serem that goods that will be checked in will be verified after scanning.
“The goods that have been checked in will be scanned by the airline and in most cases the traveller will not even know that the scanning has been done so when you arrive we will only pick out the baggage that has been marked for further verification,” she said.
The imposed taxes will however not apply to spirits, wines, water and perfumes not exceeding one litre.
“People who smoke are allowed to carry 250 grams of tobacco perfume of less than a litre and alcohol a level of what you can carry beyond that you have to pay for it,” Ontweka further explained.
