
JKIA
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The Kenyan government has raised the duty-free import allowance for arriving travellers from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000.
This substantial increase aims to alleviate the customs burden on passengers bringing goods for personal use, thereby enhancing the travel experience at key entry points across the country. Under the previous regulation, many travellers encountered the inconvenience of having their goods confiscated once they exceeded the Sh50,000 threshold, often leading to significant disruptions.
With the new allowance, passengers carrying goods valued up to Sh250,000 will now be exempt from customs duties. This change is expected to streamline procedures and ease the financial strain on incoming passengers.
The announcement was made via a joint statement issued by the Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration, as well as Tourism and Wildlife.
The statement underscores the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of passenger goods screening processes at airports throughout the country. To support the new customs framework, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to implement a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing operational integrity.
“To streamline passenger goods screening, Kenya has elevated the duty-free threshold for incoming passengers from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000,” the statement noted.
Starting July 1, customs officers will receive specialized training and will be equipped with body-worn cameras to promote transparency and effectiveness in customs operations. These measures are part of the broader Airport Charter, a strategic initiative designed to boost the operational capabilities of Kenya's airports. Scheduled to be enacted within seven days, the Charter aims to improve inter-agency coordination, enhance passenger service delivery, reduce processing delays, and streamline airport operations.
The implementation of these reforms is overseen by the Cabinet Secretaries for Transport, Treasury, Interior, and Tourism, reinforcing Kenya's ambitions to solidify its status as a prominent aviation hub in the region. In addition to raising the duty-free limit, the government is unveiling advanced passenger information systems to bolster security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Only baggage flagged by security scanners will undergo further screening in designated privacy-compliant zones, prioritizing the dignity of travellers. The statement also highlighted the government’s alignment with a United Nations resolution to activate advanced passenger information frameworks, ensuring improved border security while facilitating smoother airport operations.