Kenyan Athlete Learns Tough Lesson in Customs Compliance

Athletics Kenya (AK) has emphasized the importance of adhering to customs duty regulations for imported sports equipment.

Barnaba Korir, AK's Director of Youth and Development, states that athletes, their management, and coaches must provide written declarations for any sports items they intend to bring into Kenya, including details about the intended beneficiaries. Once confirmed, AK will relay this information to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for clearance. This directive comes in the wake of an incident involving marathon runner Joyciline Jepkosgei. On October 16, KRA officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) detained her bags containing 40 pairs of running shoes. Jepkosgei, who had recently finished fifth in the Chicago Marathon, intended to distribute these shoes to athletes at her camp in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet.

The shoes, in the custody of her coach Peter Bii, were flagged by customs upon arrival from Chicago. Korir emphasizes that AK will not tolerate any misuse of the duty exemption process for personal gain. He stresses the importance of following regulations to maintain the goodwill of the KRA, which has been accommodating to the sports community. Despite regular reminders, many athletes fail to notify AK in advance resulting in the detention of their goods by customs officers. Jepkosgei has expressed gratitude to AK for facilitating the clearance of the shoes, clarifying that they were intended solely for her colleagues in camp and not for commercial purposes.

She acknowledges her lack of awareness regarding the need to inform AK for exemption but appreciates the consideration given by KRA for such exemptions, noting its potential to benefit athletes. To illustrate the stringency of customs regulations globally, Korir cites an incident during the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Nike, the official kit sponsor for Team Kenya, shipped 40 uniforms from the USA, but Peruvian customs detained the shipment, demanding 100 per cent duty. The kit was eventually received in Brussels, Belgium, during the Diamond League final after being returned to the USA.

In a similar vein, Daniel Simiu, the 2022 World 10,000m silver medalist, faced detention of his luggage upon arrival from the Chicago Marathon. Simiu, who finished fifth in his marathon debut, reportedly had items valued at over Sh350,000 in his luggage. A KRA official, speaking anonymously, emphasizes that athletes are not exempt from paying taxes in accordance with the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004. The KRA official clarifies that personal items valued under $2,000 (Sh260,000) are exempt from customs duty. However, any excess, including gifts and donations like Jepkosgei's shoes is subject to duty. The official stresses that these laws were not created by KRA but are enforced on behalf of the East African Community Parliament.

Athletes, like any other returning citizens, are required to pay duty on applicable items. Regarding Simiu's case, the official notes that the athlete's luggage contained items exceeding the exempted value and urges athletes to be truthful in their declarations to avoid complications.