KRA seizes sh46.7 million smuggled goods in bus

MOMBASA, Kenya—The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted smuggled goods valued at Sh46.7 million in an operation targeting illicit trade along the Uganda-Kenya route.

The seizure included cigarettes, shisha tobacco and powdered milk products, with KRA estimating that the consignment could have denied the government more than Sh29 million in tax revenue.

According to the authority, its enforcement officers acted on intelligence that a suspected smuggler was using a Simba Coach passenger bus to transport excisable goods from Uganda through porous border points to Nairobi.

The operation led to a pursuit in Eldoret after the suspect allegedly fled upon spotting KRA officers. Officers later intercepted him at Kondoo in the Burnt Forest area.

The bus was taken back to Eldoret for a detailed inspection, where officers discovered specially constructed hidden compartments containing the suspected smuggled goods.

The consignment included ORIS cigarettes valued at Sh30.6 million, shisha tobacco and accessories worth about Sh8.4 million, and powdered milk products valued at nearly Sh7.8 million.

KRA said the seizure highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by smugglers to conceal and transport illicit goods into the country.

The authority said it was stepping up intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations to disrupt smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses and safeguard government revenue.

KRA has warned traders and transporters involved in the movement of illicit or undeclared goods that their consignments are liable to seizure and that those involved may face legal action.