Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) came under pressure after deleting a post that informed travelers that all goods whether new or old were eligible for taxation.
In a post that was shared on social media platform X and later deleted, it informed travelers that goods above USD500 (Ksh75,250) were subject to tax.
“Remember when traveling you will be allowed to carry personal or household items worth USD500 and below.
Anything above the amount shall be subjected to tax,” KRA’s deleted post read in part.
However, the taxman informed travelers that it would consider different passenger concessions while imposing the directive.
It is not clear why the post was deleted.
However, the post raised concerns among Kenyans who needed more explanation on the regulation.
“All goods WHETHER NEW OR USED, are subject to taxation. It will not matter whether your new iPhone is inside a glittering box or wrapped in a dusty handkerchief, you will still have to smile at the KRA officer slapping you with a tax slip,” political commentator Gabriel Oguda wrote.
🤔🤔😳😳😳 All goods whether new or used are subject to taxation? And one will only be allowed to carry personal of household items worth $500 and below? pic.twitter.com/VU5XVgZtie
— Pauline Njoroge (@paulinenjoroge) October 30, 2023
However, SonkoNews established that KRA’s post was derived from the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004 which was revised in 2019. It’s popularly referred to by the acronym EACCMA.
The Act dictates how travelers are taxed while arriving in their respective East African Countries.
KRA clarification came after Kenyans online raised concerns about how their pieces of luggage were being opened at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Some complained of losing their personal items during routine check-ups.
While responding to allegations, Kenya Aviation Authority Board chairperson Caleb Kositany vowed to address the issue.
