The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has explained its screening process for passengers' luggage arriving from international flights. It highlighted restricted items requiring special permits and prohibited goods that are not allowed. Travellers are advised to declare items transparently and carry proper documentation.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has detailed its procedures for screening passengers' luggage upon arrival from international flights. A KRA Customs Officer explained that every bag is scanned for security purposes by KRA officials at the airport. Luggage undergoes primary screening initially, with suspicious items subjected to advanced 3D scans, the officer said in an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast. Restricted items such as guns, drones, and medical drugs are permitted into Kenya only with specific permissions or prescriptions. Drones require authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) because they can be used for wartime surveillance, KRA stated. Prohibited items, mainly hard drugs, are not allowed. Passengers may bring personal items worth up to $2000 duty-free. Items exceeding this or intended for trade are taxed, even if under $2000. KRA monitors quantities and flags unusually large luggage for checks. The authority urged travellers to declare items honestly, obtain permits for restricted goods, and avoid prohibited ones for smooth entry. The Customs Officer noted: 'We check the restricted items, those are things that are allowed into this country but are controlled. For example, guns and drugs can also come as long as they have a prescription.' KRA added: 'Basically, if your items are below $2000 and they are personal, we do not charge taxes. However, if you carry items that are below $2000 but are meant for trade, we will tax you because it is not your personal item.'