Taxman destroys contraband goods worth Ksh 10M

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Tuesday destroyed counterfeit goods worth Ksh 10 million seized at the Moi International Airport, Eldoret.

KRA officials led by Rift Valley Regional Manager Florence Otuory and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno supervised the destroying of the goods that comprised of cigarettes, medical supplies, pornographic literature and car tyres at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital’s (MTRHs) incinerator.

Ms. Otuory cautioned KRA and other quality approval agencies saying they ought to be vigilant in executing their mandate and those found colluding with unscrupulous traders who import sub-standard goods will be prosecuted.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, who witnessed the destruction, called for speedy measures in prosecuting those involved in illegal trade saying the county will not act as a conduit for illegal products.

He questioned why those arrested with the second generation liquor are prosecuted while those at the helm of importing contraband goods are left free.

In April, KRA destroyed goods that comprised of wines, spirits and cigarettes that were seized in Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri and Embu.

KRA Head of the Market Surveillance Caxton Masudi said that they had decided to enhance market surveillance operations to ensure that traders adhere to rules and regulations set up by the Authority.

This is to ensure that only approved excisable goods are consumed by the public and also that taxes due to the government are paid.

A team of KRA officers from the Market Surveillance Office (MSO) unit conduct countrywide inspections on traders suspected to be selling fake excisable merchandise to unsuspecting consumers.

The market surveillance operations entail inspection of excisable goods, inspection of premises and transactional records to ensure compliance with the Turn Over Tax (TOT), Value Added Tax (VAT) and Customs and Excise Laws.