KRA Unveils Key Tax Advisories for Kenyan Travelers

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a set of seven comprehensive taxation guidelines in a bid to streamline the customs process for Kenyans travelling abroad or returning home.

According to the tax authority, Kenyans heading overseas are required to declare specific items before departure. This includes equipment such as filming gear, musical instruments, and sports equipment that are intended to be brought back into the country. The aim is to provide clarity on what needs to be declared during the exit process.

Moreover, the guidelines highlight that items temporarily taken out of the country for repair must also be declared. To facilitate this process, all passengers arriving in Kenya are advised to complete the prescribed Passenger Declaration Form (Form F88) while those with accompanied luggage are exempt from declaring personal used items. Notably, any goods brought for commercial purposes will be subject to taxes.

A significant point of emphasis is the prohibition of items such as shisha and counterfeit currency at entry points. The KRA warns that these items will be confiscated. Additionally, individuals carrying foreign currency and monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (Ksh 1.5 million) must declare them at customs both upon arrival and departure. Customs officers will rely on intelligence and profiled security information for thorough searches.

The statement assures travellers that during body searches, officers will maintain a high level of respect for human dignity. To ensure a hassle-free process, Kenyans are advised to seek assistance only from uniformed Customs Officials within the baggage halls. This advice holds particular relevance at JKIA, where strict enforcement of customs regulations has been observed with Kenyans expected to pay potential taxes on certain items brought back from abroad.