Travellers entering Kenya will now enjoy an increased
duty-free import limit of up to Sh250,000, following a government directive to
raise the threshold.
On Friday, the government announced that it had increased the duty-free allowance for incoming passengers from the previous Sh50,000 to Sh250,000.
The announcement brings significant relief to travellers
using Kenya’s major entry points, particularly those carrying goods for
personal use.
Under the new directive, passengers bringing goods for
personal use valued at up to Sh250,000 will no longer be required to pay
customs duties.
Previously, many travellers complained about having their goods seized for exceeding the Sh50,000 threshold.
The new policy was announced in a joint statement by the Cabinet Secretaries of Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration and Tourism and Wildlife.
“In a bid to streamline passenger goods screening, Kenya has
raised the duty-free threshold for passengers from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000,” the
statement read.
To strengthen customs operations, the Kenya Revenue
Authority (KRA) will enhance staff capacity through specialized training for
customs officers.
KRA will also be required to equip customs officers with body-worn cameras, effective July 1, to improve transparency and efficiency.
These changes are part of the Airport Charter, a new
framework aimed at improving the overall efficiency of Kenya’s airports.
The Charter, set to take effect within seven days, will improve
coordination between government agencies involved in airport management.
It will also enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays,
and ensure smoother processes for passengers and stakeholders.
The Cabinet Secretaries for Transport, Treasury, Interior,
and Tourism are overseeing the implementation of these reforms, reinforcing
Kenya’s position as a key aviation hub.
To enhance security at the JKIA, the government will
implement advanced customer information systems for risk profiling, as well as
ensure that only bags flagged by security scanners are opened in dedicated
screening rooms.
“To uphold traveller dignity and privacy, only bags flagged
by security scanners will be opened in a dedicated screening room. This aims to
enhance security while ensuring a respectful and seamless travel experience,”
the statement stated.
“In line with the UN resolution, GOK is immediately implementing advanced passenger information systems to enhance international security and streamline operational efficiency. This initiative aims to strengthen border controls while ensuring a smoother travel experience.”