KEBS officers to face charges over Ksh.64M tax revenue loss

Several officials from the Kenya Bureau of Standards and customs are to be charged with defrauding the government of Ksh.64.9million in taxes.

A statement from the Director of Public Prosecution accused the officers of colluding with three companies to undervalue imported goods.

“Following numerous cases of evasion and avoidance of tax payment that has affected collection of government revenue, the DCI commenced investigations with regard to mis-declarations and importation of contraband products into the country,” the statement reads.

15 individuals that will be charged in connection with the case include Charles Ongega Ongwae, Eric Chesire Kiptoo, Esther Wangui Watene, Ali Thuo Chuphi, Elizabeth Nyambura Kimani, Alex Maina Ndiritu, Cornelius Mwanyamba Mwango and Fredrick Cheruiyot Busongo.

Others are Sameul Mburu Kamau, George Hilary Kamau, Ibrahim Twahil Mohamed, Harrison Ngige Muchiri, Nuh Abdille Hassan, Dahir Yusuf and Jimal Mahamud Haasan.

Investigating officers reportedly received information that Gendipre Enterprises and Rupai Trading Limited (importers) and their clearing agent Landmark Freight Services Limited with the help of custom and Kebs officers concealed imported goods to evade taxes.

DPP Noordin Haji further accused the officers of allowing goods to enter the country without requiring the companies to pay proper penalties of missing certificate of conformity.

Instead of the required 15percent, they allegedly paid a third of the amount allowed by law.

They are now facing charges of connivance to commit an offence, concealment of imported goods, abuse of office, neglect of official duty, wilful disobedience of statutory duty and breach of trust.