KRA to tighten checks on Uganda-bound cargo

Three Range Rover vehicles that were declared as mattresses for import held within the port of Mombasa Kenya revenue Authority section on December 2, 2015. PHOTO| LABAN WALLOGA  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The Kenya Revenue Authority will institute a 24-hour monitoring system on transit cargo in a move expected to stem the rising cases of diverting Uganda-bound goods into the local market.
• The new measures have started to bear fruit, with the interception of three Range Rover sports utility vehicles worth Sh28 million at the port on Tuesday.
• The cars had been declared as household goods and were concealed using mattresses and toys in a 40-foot container.

By GITONGA MARETE
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The Kenya Revenue Authority will institute a 24-hour monitoring system on transit cargo in a move expected to stem the rising cases of diverting Uganda-bound goods into the local market.

“There is an increase of vehicles being concealed in containers. These are top-of-the-range vehicles that are of high value,” said KRA Commissioner, Customs and Border Control, Julius Musyoki.

The new measures have started to bear fruit, with the interception of three Range Rover sports utility vehicles worth Sh28 million at the port on Tuesday.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

The cars had been declared as household goods, and were concealed using mattresses and toys in a 40-foot container.

“As declared, the items would have attracted less than Sh1 million customs duty and related taxes, denying the authority over Sh19 million,” he said.
At the moment, the taxman is in contact with the International Police (Interpol) to establish whether the cars were stolen from the United Kingdom, where they originated.