NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has detailed how it screens passengers arriving in the country, outlining strict procedures used to detect prohibited goods and enforce declaration rules at entry points.
According to the authority, all luggage from international flights undergoes mandatory scanning immediately upon arrival, with officers monitoring every bag for unusual or suspicious contents.
A KRA customs officer revealed that the screening process is conducted in two stages to enhance detection and compliance.
“At the airport, all luggage from a plane is scanned for security purposes. A KRA official will be checking each bag and what it could be carrying,” the officer said during an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast.
The first phase, known as primary screening, involves a rapid scan of all baggage. Any luggage flagged as suspicious is then subjected to a second, more detailed review using advanced 3D imaging systems.
This layered approach allows officers to identify concealed or undeclared items more accurately.
KRA further clarified the distinction between restricted and prohibited goods. Restricted items, such as firearms, drones, and certain medical drugs, may be allowed into the country, but only with proper permits or documentation.
For instance, drones require authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), while some medications must be supported by valid prescriptions.
“We check restricted items, which are allowed into the country but controlled. For example, guns and drugs can come in as long as they have proper authorisation,” KRA stated.
On the other hand, prohibited items, particularly hard drugs, are strictly banned from entry into Kenya under all circumstances, with offenders facing severe legal consequences under customs and anti-narcotics laws.
The authority also outlined duty-free thresholds, noting that travellers are allowed to bring in personal goods valued at up to $2,000 (approximately Sh260,000) without incurring taxes.
However, items exceeding this value, or goods suspected to be intended for trade rather than personal use, are subject to taxation.
KRA warned that passengers carrying unusually large quantities of goods may face additional scrutiny to determine whether the items are genuinely for personal use.
“Even if items are below $2,000 but are meant for trade, they will be taxed because they are not considered personal effects,” the authority said.
The agency urged travellers to declare all items honestly and ensure they have the necessary permits for restricted goods to avoid delays, penalties, or confiscation at entry points.
