The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Friday destroyed illicit excisable products with a market value of over Sh1.5 billion, in Stoni Athi, Kajiado County
The products were seized from various traders in Nairobi and its environs, and for a while, have been in circulation, contravening regulations as provided for under the Excise Duty Act. According to KRA, illegal trading could have led to a loss of over Sh400 Million in tax revenues.
“Among the products destroyed, include 25,070 bottles of beer, 102,004 bottles of wine spirits packed in 82,538 bottles and 104,786 bottles of juice.” KRA said in a statement.
Other goods destroyed were an assortment of machinery used in the production of some goods, 93, 670 bottles of water, 60, 000 fake excise stamps and 6, 450 packets of cigarettes. Other products which include cigars, cigarillos, and shisha packed in 50 packets, were also destroyed in the exercise.
On August 13, 2019, KRA officers also seized three concealed high-end vehicles worth Ksh.40 million at the Port of Mombasa.
The authority, in a press release, said the vehicles – two Range Rovers and a Mercedes Benz – were seized following an intensified crackdown against the importation of contraband goods.
KRA impounded the goods in partnership with the various government agencies that constitute the multiagency team charged with combating illicit trade and contraband goods, established by President Uhuru Kenyatta in May, 2018.
Among government agencies in the multiagency team are; Office of the President, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS), Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), NACADA and the Department of Public Health.
Friday’s destruction exercise, however, marks a significant milestone in the fight against illicit trade and contraband goods in the country. It underscores the government’s determination and keenness to annihilate the vices of illicit trade and contraband goods.
