Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has successfully conducted two major multi-agency operations, seizing illicit goods with a combined market value of over Ksh 46 million thereby averting the evasion of over Ksh 19 million in taxes. These operations, in Kirinyaga and Uasin Gishu counties, underscore the government’s resolve to combat illicit trade, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard public health.
In the first incident, acting on intelligence, KRA enforcement officers, in collaboration with a multi-agency team including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service (NPS), and local authorities, seized a substantial cache of contraband cigarettes in Kienja Village, Kirinyaga County.
The operation led to the discovery of 95 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes (each with 190 packets) and 64 packets of Oris cigarettes, with a combined market value of Ksh 29,254,000. The successful interception prevented a total tax loss of Ksh 8,611,831.20, specifically Ksh 3,931,191.20 in Excise Duty and Ksh 4,680,640.00 in Value Added Tax (VAT).
In a separate operation in Ngeria, Eldoret, a multi-agency team led by KRA officers raided an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility. The operation, which stemmed from intelligence on illicit alcohol production, which is an excisable good, resulted in the seizure of items valued at Ksh 17,038,450.
The confiscated items included 24,000 counterfeit excise stamps, over 600 bottles of unbranded and branded alcohol, approximately 100 liters of blended and pure ethanol, and 260 sticks of illicit cigarettes, along with various manufacturing materials such as counterfeit labels, empty bottles, and large containers.
This seizure prevented an estimated tax loss of Ksh 10,790,933.56 to the government. A suspect was arrested and is in police custody pending legal proceedings, with the seized items secured at the KRA Eldoret warehouse.
These joint operations highlight KRA’s unwavering commitment to protecting government revenue and ensuring a fair business environment for all taxpayers. KRA continues to work closely with other agencies to eliminate illicit trade, which undermines the economy and poses a significant threat to public health and safety
