Kenya’s tax authority has intercepted more than 21,000 undeclared smartphones at Eldoret International Airport in one of its largest recent seizures.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said its enforcement unit, acting on an intelligence tip-off, impounded 21,600 high-end handsets with unpaid taxes valued at Ksh.16.1 million.
The shipment also included 5,000 properly declared phones worth Ksh.6.4 million, alongside other cargo such as shoes, clothes, auto parts, household goods, and electronic accessories.
In a statement, the KRA explained that the undeclared goods were part of a consignment consigned to Pemba Cargo Limited and declared by Portyard Limited. The cargo had arrived in Eldoret on September 18 aboard a chartered plane.
According to investigators, some items were fully declared while others were hidden under “consolidated cargo” labels — a method smugglers often use to disguise taxable goods.
Customs officials say the operation highlights the scale of illicit trade in Kenya’s cargo sector. “Our officers acted swiftly on credible intelligence to prevent revenue loss,” the agency said.
The case is now under investigation, with authorities expected to pursue both the consignees and any accomplices. If prosecuted, the suspects could face heavy fines and the forfeiture of the seized items.
Kenya has stepped up its fight against tax evasion and smuggling in recent years, with airports and ports seen as critical choke points. Eldoret, a hub for cargo flights from Asia and the Middle East, has become a key battleground in the effort to curb contraband.
Officials say the crackdown is part of a broader push to protect local markets, safeguard legitimate businesses, and raise much-needed revenue for the state.
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