NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during passenger screening.
In a statement, the authority said Customs officers recovered the items while screening passengers at the airport.
KRA said the interception was part of its work to protect government revenue, secure Kenya’s borders and enforce import regulations.
The latest seizure comes amid increased scrutiny of goods carried into Kenya through JKIA.
Earlier this month, Customs officers intercepted 40 undeclared iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max smartphones, valued at about Sh8.2 million, from a passenger arriving from Dubai.
KRA said the phones were found during routine baggage screening and later deposited at a Customs warehouse pending clearance and verification. The incident was separate from the latest interception.
Drones are among goods that may require permits before they can be brought into the country.
KRA has previously said that intercepted drones and other restricted items must have permits from relevant government agencies.
The authority has also cited airworthiness certification among documents required for drone imports.
KRA said it had enhanced vigilance at Kenya’s points of entry to improve compliance with Customs rules covering restricted and prohibited goods.
The authority has previously listed drones among items that may be intercepted if they are brought into the country without the required approvals.
Customs screening is used to identify goods that may need to be declared, taxed or cleared with permits.
The specific reason the 52 refurbished phones and three drones were intercepted was not immediately clear from KRA’s statement.
The authority urged travellers and importers to comply with regulations when bringing goods into Kenya.
It said its work at the border includes collecting revenue, protecting the country’s borders and ensuring imported goods meet legal requirements.
