Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers have intercepted 40 smartphones valued at about Sh8.2 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), in a move that highlights tighter scrutiny of undeclared goods entering the country.
The smartphones, comprising iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, were recovered from the luggage of a male passenger who had arrived in Kenya from Dubai. The devices were concealed among other items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack.
The interception took place at Terminal 1A International Arrivals after customs officers subjected the passenger’s luggage to scanning. The phones had not been declared to Customs and were detected during routine screening before officers conducted a physical inspection of the luggage.
The passenger initially told officers that he was transiting through Kenya to a neighbouring country by road. However, a review of his passport and travel history raised further questions over the frequency of his trips between Kenya and Dubai.
KRA said the passenger entered Kenya on September 15 and left two days later. He returned on September 19 and departed on September 20, before entering again on September 21 and leaving on September 22. He subsequently re-entered Kenya on September 23.
The frequent movements and short stays prompted customs officers to conduct further questioning. The authority later established that the passenger was acting as a courier for a Dubai-based client and that the smartphones were destined for the Kenyan market.
The seized phones have since been deposited at the Customs Warehouse, where they will remain pending applicable clearance and verification procedures.
The interception comes as KRA steps up the use of technology, passenger data and intelligence-led screening at the country’s points of entry. The authority said CT baggage scanners, analysis of travel patterns and targeted interviews are being used alongside physical inspections to detect concealed goods.
KRA said the measures are intended to strengthen border controls, ensure compliance with Customs requirements and protect government revenue while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.
The authority has also warned travellers against carrying undeclared goods on behalf of third parties, urging them to ensure all goods subject to Customs control are properly declared and cleared in accordance with the law.
The case underscores the revenue implications of undeclared commercial goods being brought into the country through passenger luggage, particularly high-value consumer electronics.
