KRA Destroys Illicit Goods Worth Sh500 Million

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Inter-Agency Team have destroyed illicit goods worth Sh500 million. 

A press release from KRA on Wednesday stated that the impounded goods with an estimated tax worth of Sh150 million were destroyed at Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZ) offices in Athi River. These goods included alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and ethanol, all of which had been seized during Inter-Agency raids conducted in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Department, Enforcement Division, Mutembei Nyagah, stated that the goods violated several laws, such as the Excise Duty Act 2015 and Excisable Goods Management System Act Regulations (EGMS). The taxman also urged traders to adhere to the regulations to avoid the confiscation of their goods. 

"KRA notifies all traders and the general public 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 updated list of licensed manufacturers and importers of excisable goods is available on the KRA website," KRA said. 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya Eric Githua,  praised the Inter-Agency team for their efforts, noting that the illicit goods have destroyed many lives. He urged members of the public to be on the lookout for these dangerous products. Representatives from the National Police Service and the Kenya Bureau of Standards were on-site when the illicit goods were destroyed.