KRA intercepts 40 iPhones worth Sh8.2m at JKIA

Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 40 smartphones, valued at approximately Sh8.2 million, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Customs officers discovered the devices concealed in a passenger's luggage arriving from Dubai. The smartphones, including iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, were found during a routine screening at Terminal 1A International Arrivals.

The passenger, who claimed to be transiting through Kenya to a neighboring country by road, had not declared the phones. However, upon further inspection of his passport and travel history, it was revealed that he had made multiple trips between Kenya and Dubai in September. KRA stated that the passenger entered Kenya on September 15, left two days later, returned on September 19, departed again on September 21, left once more on September 22, and finally returned on September 23.

The passenger was reportedly acting as a courier for a Dubai-based client, with the smartphones intended for Kenya. The devices have been deposited at the Customs Warehouse for further verification. This interception highlights the increasing reliance on baggage scanners, travel data, and risk-based screening by Customs authorities to detect undeclared goods at entry points in Kenya.

The KRA warns travelers to declare all goods subject to Customs control and discourages carrying goods on behalf of third parties without understanding the necessary compliance requirements.