The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have intercepted 848 cartons (20,348 bottles, 200 ml each) of assorted alcoholic drinks, 600 packets of 100 ml Simba Waragi, which had a dutiable value of KShs. 2,754,800 and 5 bags of sugar branded Kamuli Sugar, with a dutiable value of KShs. 15,379 all of which had been smuggled into Kenya from Uganda.

The consignment was intercepted on Tuesday, 7th December 2021 at Unguja Trading Centre along the Kisumu- Busia Road, within Siaya County. The total dutiable value for the consignment is Kshs. 2,770,179.

The interception happened after KRA officers received intelligence report on a lorry ferrying the consignment of 848 cartons (20,348 bottles of 200 ml each) of assorted alcoholic drinks, 600 packets of 100 ml Simba Waragi and 5 bags sugar branded Kamuli Sugar, from Uganda.

Officers from KRA’s Customs Investigations Division and Revenue Protection Services went on patrol along the Kisumu- Busia Road. They saw the vehicle, stopped it and did a preliminary search on the vehicle where they were able to see the consignment. The driver was arrested and instructed to drive the vehicle to KRA offices at Forodha House. They conducted a 100% verification on the vehicle and were able to confirm the consignment.

The driver of the vehicle, Mr. Nahashon Okinda Okwako was arrested and arraigned in court on 10th December 2021 where he pleaded guilty and was released on a Bond of KShs. 1,000,000.

As to the alcoholic drinks, conveying prohibited goods is a violation of law under Section 199 (b) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as read with section 199 (c) (iii) of that Act while being in possession of prohibited goods is a violation of the law under section 200 (d) (i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as read with section 210 of that Act. Punishment upon conviction on the offences, is a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars and the vehicle and the goods in respect of which the offence has been committed liable to forfeiture.

With regard to the sugar, conveying uncustomed goods is a violation of law under Section 199 (b) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as read with section 199 (c) (iii) of that Act while being in possession of prohibited goods is a violation of the law under section 200 (d) (iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as read with section 210 and 211 of that Act. Punishment upon conviction on the offences, is a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars and the vehicle and the goods in respect of which the offence has been committed liable to forfeiture.

KRA, in collaboration with other government agencies, continues to be vigilant to curb trade on illicit/counterfeit goods and other transnational economic crimes.

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution and forfeiture of vehicles conveying counterfeit goods. KRA remains committed in building taxpayers trust through facilitation to foster compliance and make taxpaying experience better.

Commissioner, Investigations and Enforcement