The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized several litres of illicit alcoholic beverages during an anti-illicit trade operation Nairobi.

KRA carried out simultaneous operations in various parts of Nairobi including Kariobangi, Ruai, Kiserian, Dandora, Pipeline, Kasarani and Kenyatta market, and western, & Central regions part of Kenya. The operation happened on Saturday and KRA officers seized various brands of illicit liquor estimated to have a market value of KShs. 1,430,900 and tax value of KShs.657,343.

The raids were conducted on targeted shops after KRA received information from the public on the presence of counterfeit excise stamps in the market of excisable goods.

Illicit trade has very serious implications that affect all the concerned players’ right from the manufactures conducting their business within the confines of the law to the unsuspecting consumers who might end up consuming potentially hazardous products. Illicit trade also denies government its due revenue.

KRA urges traders to comply and avoid offering for sale excisable goods not affixed with excise stamps or affixed with counterfeit stamps. Traders are advised to deal with legitimate spirit/tobacco/water manufacturers and to use the SOMA LABEL APP available on Apple/Play Store to check the authenticity of excise stamps.

Traders and public are also notified that it is an offence to distribute, offer for sale or be in possession of any excisable goods manufactured or imported by unlicensed persons. The traders can access updated list of licensed manufacturers and importers of excisable goods which is available on the KRA website.

KRA is committed to ensuring that trade operations are only carried out by traders who abide by the laid down legislations and tax policies.

Commissioner, Investigations & Enforcement