The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), today got rid of contraband worth Shs billion in Stoni Athi, Kajiado County.
The Authority was teamed up by the multi-agency group that fights against unlawful trade.
According to the Authority, the goods that were being traded in violation of the Excise Duty Act and various guidelines were taken away from different traders in Nairobi and its vicinities.
In a statement to the press, the Authority remarked that the merchandises would have cost it a revenue loss of Ksh.400 million.
The smuggled imports included 379,760 bottles of alcohol, 60 drums of raw spirit, 35,615 bottles of beer, 11,000 bottles of wine, and 197,000 packets of cigarettes.
“The destruction exercise marked a significant milestone in the fight against illicit trade and contraband goods in the country,” the Authority pointed out. “The exercise further underscores the government’s commitment and determination in eradicating the illicit trade in the country.”
The commodities were confiscated during various procedures were undertaken in partnership with the multi-agency team.
The multi-agency team was created in May 2018 by the President.
It is in charge of fighting unlawful trade.
The team comprises government organizations such as the President’s Office, the Ministry of Interior and National Government Coordination, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), NACADA, and the Department of Public Health.
Meanwhile, KRA is working towards intensifying its strategies to minimize illegal trade.
“The Authority continues to implement key strategic measures geared towards combating illicit trade and contraband goods in the excisable goods sector to protect legitimate traders, consumers and government revenue.”
By Everlyne Bosibori
Comment here